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 |
 | It is through the VKC that I caught the vision and was inspired to follow my daughter with autism’s North Star—that of a life-long pursuit and successful career in art. Leisa Hammett - Parent See More... |
| A reflection from a professional |
 | Recently a mother shared with me that over four decades ago she gave birth to a baby girl with Down syndrome. The medical staff and others strongly encouraged her to give her daughter over to an institution as it was the best option at the time. While in the hospital a social worker from the Kennedy Center discussed services and resources available to her if she chose to keep her child in her care. As a result of their conversation she decided to raise her child with the support of her family and this Center. This family is currently thriving in their community. To work somewhere that touches people’s lives on such an incredible level is an experience I am very fortunate to be part of. Sarah Harvey - 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... |
| A reflection from a researcher |
 | When I was growing up, a fellow named Herbie played with us. I didn’t realize how unusual this was for the time, since most people with Down syndrome were institutionalized then. As I got older, I realized that many people didn’t see Herbie as a valued member of the community in the way that we felt growing up. When I began training as a clinician, it became clear that many aspects of intervention, although rooted in clinical knowledge, had not been examined through research. It was only natural that this interest in clinical practice and improving services to people with disabilities would be a primary research interest. The VKC is a tremendous place to interact with other researchers interested in developmental disabilities. Stephen Camarata, Ph.D. - Hearing & Speech Sciences and Psychiatry See More... |
Submit your reflection here