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 trainee |
| As a UCEDD trainee, the VKC has been very important to me. I have learned so much from contributing to many of its self-advocacy projects for people with disabilities, and I am proud to be a part of all they do in the Nashville community. As a graduate student in Peabody College, I feel that working with the VKC UCEDD has helped me to mature in ways that will make me a successful special education teacher. Carrie Glover - Graduate student in Special Education and VKC UCEDD Trainee See More... |
| A reflection from a researcher |
 | My interest in studying developmental disabilities arose from both my work and my educational experiences. Throughout college and graduate school, I worked as a teacher of children with severe to profound disabilities. Simultaneously in my Ph.D. program, I was learning about children’s development, mother-child interactions, and families of typically developing children. As a postdoctoral fellow, I began to join these two worlds. I began exploring how theories, approaches, and findings derived from work on typically developing children might apply to children with developmental disabilities. I also began examining with Elisabeth Dykens how children with particular genetic disorders differed in their behavioral development, and how behaviors of children with particular syndromes might affect their family members. The VKC combines a strongly held, multidisciplinary focus with a rock-solid commitment to children with disabilities and their families. In addition to the researchers themselves, a skilled, dedicated group of VKC staff help everyone to get things done. With support from several private foundations and federal agencies, the VKC has expanded services to persons with disabilities and their families. Where else can one work every day with such a talented, committed group of scientists, staff, and service providers, all of whom share a mission to learn about and to serve individuals with disabilities and their families? Robert Hodapp, Ph.D. - Special Education 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... |
Submit your reflection here