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 |
 | Brian reaped many benefits from attending the Susan Gray School as a toddler, and began in participate in VKC research studies. One study, KidTalk, greatly supported the development of his speech. In 2nd grade he began studying at the VKC Reading Clinic, and his reading skills are what enabled the Romeo and Juliet “light bulb moment” [when his 9th grade English teacher reported he was able to summarize the plot]. Our two other children have participated in and benefited from the SibSaturdays, and our future hope for Brian is to participate in VKC’s Next Steps at Vanderbilt, an amazing college-based transition program for young adults with disabilities. Brian is just one kid and we are just one family. Can you imagine the impact for how many over the last 50 years?! Kelly M. Clippinger - Parent See More... |
| A reflection from a trainee |
 | As a Postdoctoral Fellow, I was a trainee with LEND (Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities]. This experience was invaluable to my current work as a clinical psychologist who specializes in diagnosing very young children with autism. My LEND training enhanced my abilities to understand families’ perspectives, to collaborate across disciplines, and to maintain cultural competence, all of which helps me provide better care to children and parents at a very difficult moment in their lives. Amy Weitlauf - VKC Member and Former LEND Trainee See More... |
| A reflection from a researcher |
 | We began our careers as general education classroom teachers, where we struggled to address the needs of students with learning disabilities. This motivated us to work hard over the years to provide general and special education teachers with methods that can help them address the needs of these students more effectively. We believe in the mission of the VKC, which includes fostering collaborative relationships among investigators from different disciplines. Lynn Fuchs, Ph.D., and Doug Fuchs, 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