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 daughter Jeanne, age 25 with Down syndrome, has been involved with the Kennedy Center since her early years. Because of the efforts of the Kennedy Center to develop the first postsecondary two-year educational program in Tennessee at Vanderbilt for persons with intellectual disabilities, Jeanne was able to be in the first class of 2011. This was life-changing for her. She developed confidence with new skills both socially and at work. For the past two years Jeanne has worked part-time at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center, her dream job. William Gavigan, III, MD - Parent See More... |
| A reflection from a researcher |
 | My father was a psychiatrist, and as a young child, I spent Saturdays at his clinic and so was accustomed to being with people with disabilities. Later, we lived on the grounds of a state mental health hospital, where I had many friends with different types of developmental and psychiatric difficulties. I wanted to better understand their lives and stories. At the Yale Child Study Center, my experiences with children with fragile X syndrome started me on the path of looking at other genetic syndromes, since they offer unique windows for understanding the connections among genes, brain, and behavior, as well as specific ways to optimize interventions with individuals and families. My husband and I moved to Vanderbilt because we wanted to be part of a community of researchers and others dedicated to understanding people with developmental disabilities on a number of different levels—genetics, brain science, treatments, supporting families, public policy, and advocacy. The VKC embodied all of that in one place. Elisabeth Dykens, Ph.D. - Psychology, Psychiatry, and Pediatrics See More... |
| A reflection from a professional |
| [The VKC] is an absolutely amazing place to work, but more importantly, people here truly help to change lives for the better. I’ve worked here in some capacity since I graduated from the Master’s of Special Education program in 2007, and I cannot think of a better place to refer families who have a loved one with a disability. In my own work, we are helping high school students with autism and their families prepare for the transition from high school, and we are also helping faith communities as they support people with disabilities to find and hold employment. Jenny Gustafson - Special Education Alumna and VKC Disability Professional 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... |
Submit your reflection here