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 family has been connected to the work of the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center for over 15 years, since my younger brother Evan, now 18, was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder at age 3. Evan has participated in countless educational programs, clinical services, research studies, and activities over the years. The Kennedy Center staff and programs have provided wonderful support to my parents. Especially important to me is the valuable supports that if has offered to young and adult siblings like myself of brothers and sisters with disabilities. Emma Shouse - Sibling 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 am a developmental neurobiologist using a genetic approach to study the molecular mechanisms of neuronal function. My primary interest is in understanding the formation of neural circuits and the adaptive plasticity of these circuits that drive behavioral change. One motivation behind my interest is to help people who have neurological disorders. The VKC brings together people at all levels (clinicians, intervention therapists, neuroscientists) to work together on discovering the causes of neurological disorders and devising treatments and cures. It is a particularly valuable resource to me, as a fundamental neuroscience researcher, in providing contacts with other groups of researchers who provide unique insights and perspectives that would otherwise not be available. The VKC brings to campus the world’s leading experts in neurogenetics and neurobiology to provide seminars and highly valued interactions. Last but not least, the VKC provides an avenue of interaction with children and families experiencing developmental disorders. Kendal Broadie, Ph.D. - Biological Sciences See More... |
| A reflection from a professional |
| As a teacher and now as Director of Special Education in Manchester City Schools, I feel very fortunate to have received training from Vanderbilt Kennedy Center TRIAD myself. It helped me better serve my students with this challenging disorder. Now as our district administrator, I strongly encourage and support training opportunities for the teachers in our school system. This year alone over 50% of our special education teachers and/or assistants were involved in a training activity through TRIAD. The quality of this training is unsurpassed. In addition to the sessions offered at regional locations, our district was fortunate to have consultation and training provided on-site at our schools. I do not believe training of this quality and type is available anywhere else and even if it was, it would not be affordable for our school district. Our teachers are better prepared due to the training they received through TRIAD. However, the most important aspect is that our students receive the greatest benefit. Jenny Thomas - Director of Special Education, Manchester City Schools, Manchester, TN See More... |
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