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 researcher |
 | I spent most of my graduate training learning about the development of very young children who had experienced serious life stressors. This focus on early social and emotional development was matched with opportunities to work with young children with autism during my fellowship. Since then, I have worked with young families concerned that their child may have autism. It is a challenging and powerful experience to try to provide families with answers to questions regarding autism and other developmental concerns. This represents an opportunity to understand how we can join with families to create systems of care of meaning and value. My continued attraction to the VKC is linked to center’s ability to help form partnerships among researchers, clinicians, educators, and families in a manner that truly impacts communities. The ability to collaborate and work alongside leading scientific experts in behavior, education, genetics, and neuroscience who share a focus on pushing science of impact and meaning is so very fulfilling. Increasingly I have been able to intersect with the powerful training programs (i.e., LEND, UCEDD, TRIAD) supported through our Center that provide exceptional training to our next generation of scientific and clinical leaders. In my experience, few places are capable of bringing together current and future leaders in the field of developmental disabilities in such powerful ways. Zachary Warren, Ph.D. - Pediatrics, Psychiatry, and Special Education 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 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