Reflections
As part of the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center's 50th anniversary celebration, families, researchers, staff, trainees, and others shared their reflections. View a sample below, and select "more" to view additional comments.
| A reflection from a family |
 | My perspective is that of a parent whose son received early intervention services at the Susan Gray School. Not only did Alex thrive and receive a sound foundation for his future development, but the supports I received strengthened my parenting skills and imparted critical knowledge that led me to become an effective advocate for him. Alex participated in important research that benefited him and helped deepen understanding about best practices in meeting the needs of children and adults with disabilities and their families. I am indebted to the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center for its positive impact on my life and that of my son, and for its continued dedication to unlocking the mysteries of human development. Dara Howe - Parent See More... |
| A reflection from a professional |
| I was introduced to the Kennedy Center in 1975 when I was an undergraduate at Peabody College, now Vanderbilt University. It changed my life, and set me on my career path. I left as a graduate, and I came back for graduate studies. And I work in disability and I still count on the Kennedy Center every day. Carol Westlake - Tennessee Disability Public Policy Advocate See More... |
| A reflection from a trainee |
| I am the proud parent of four young children, one of whom has Down syndrome. Besides benefiting from their vast array of supports and services, I am currently receiving valuable research experience as a doctoral student in special education and receiving specialized disability-specific training through the VKC. Thomas Boehm - Parent, Doctoral Student in Special Education, and VKC UCEDD Trainee See More... |
| A reflection from a researcher |
 | I became attracted to developmental disabilities research after working in the classroom. I wanted to understand what was happening in the brain when children were experiencing learning difficulties. Reading, especially understanding what one has read, is such an important life skill. In my lab, we’re trying to unravel the mysteries of how people comprehend well and what happens when they don’t. We’re also focused on which elements are the most important, such as vocabulary, understanding grammar, structures of text, type of text, and how all those things relate to different systems in the brain. I wanted to join the Kennedy Center because my overall research program is highly relevant to the Center’s mission of improving the quality of life of children and adolescents with disorders of learning. The opportunities for collaboration with colleagues conducting similar research, as well as having access to the resources at the Kennedy Center, made me seek membership. Laurie Cutting, Ph.D. - Special Education, Psychology, Radiology, and Pediatrics See More... |
Submit your reflection here