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 |
 | We have a son with autism who is now 19, and our personal connection with the VKC goes back almost 16 years. We have come to know the VKC as a trusted partner, an invaluable resource, and a source of encouragement for ourselves and others in Tennessee and our region. John and Janet Shouse - Parents and Disability Advocates See More... |
| A reflection from a professional |
 | In my role, I assist families who have children with autism spectrum disorder. I have the opportunity each day to hear directly from families about their struggles and triumphs. Even the simplest of daily routines can be difficult for families who have children with autism. I feel lucky that families choose to share their stories with me. I also feel extremely lucky to be a part of the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center where many talented researchers are trying to determine the best interventions and treatments for the families I speak with. Daily, I listen to families, validate their concerns and feelings, and hopefully offer them a service or resources to address their needs. The Vanderbilt Kennedy Center is a true asset to these families as well as to the University, the greater Nashville community, and others who are much farther away. Nina Harris - 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 |
 | It was a great opportunity to assist the VKC in enlarging its Statistics and Methodology Core, to add more methodologists to the Core to cover more areas of expertise, and to allow the VKC to make maximal use of the Department of Biostatistics, formed in 2003, which I chair. The primary motivations are to increase the quality, efficiency, and quantity of research done in the Center and to have an opportunity to collaborate with talented Center investigators. Besides the research opportunities and serving the needs of Center investigators, it is heartening to be involved in research in an incredibly important area that affects the lives of individuals with disabilities and their families. Frank Harrell, Ph.D. - Biostatistics See More... |
Submit your reflection here