By: Elizabeth Turner
Vanderbilt Kennedy Center (VKC) member Emelyne (Lyn) Bingham was recently appointed by Governor Bill Lee as Chair of the Tennessee Council on Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Bingham is senior lecturer in the Teaching of Music at the Blair School of Music, where she has taught courses in conducting, music theory, musicianship, and music education since 1986. Her research areas include gesture as a means of teaching musical expression. Bingham also has an illustrious career in music performance, including serving as assistant conductor for the Nashville Symphony under the late Kenneth Schermerhorn. Being an autism self-advocate, her work has included training teachers on concepts of musical expression through movement and games and serving the autism, arts, and education communities through public speaking engagements.
“As an autism self-advocate, I am honored to represent over 100,000 Tennesseans living with autism and their families,” said Bingham. “I look forward to continuing our work to better neurodivergent lives in terms of equality, justice, education, employment, and health care. I’d like to thank Governor Lee for his continuing support of this lifespan approach, without which our work would not be possible.”
The Council on Autism Spectrum Disorder was created to establish a long-term plan for a system of care for individuals with autism spectrum disorder and their families. Affiliated with the Tennessee Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (DIDD), the Council makes recommendations and provides leadership in program development regarding matters concerning all levels of autism spectrum disorder services, including, but not limited to, health care, education, and other adult, adolescent, and children’s services. The governor appoints individuals with autism spectrum disorders or their family members to three-year terms.
In addition, fellow VKC researcher Beth Malow, M.D., M.S., continues her appointment as Vice Chair for the Council. Malow is Burry Chair in Cognitive Childhood Development, professor of Neurology and Pediatrics, and director of the Vanderbilt Sleep Disorders Division. VKC Community Advisory Council member Mary Ellen Chase also serves as a Council member for the West Tennessee region. Both Malow and Chase are returning Council members, choosing to stay on for additional three-year terms, respectively.
“The Tennessee Council on Autism Spectrum Disorder is thrilled to have Lyn Bingham as the new Chair and Dr. Beth Malow as the Vice-Chair for the next three years,” said Pat Edmiston, Director of Developmental Disability Services and Liaison to the Council. “They have been members of the Council since the beginning and both chose to be reappointed by Governor Lee for their second consecutive term. Lyn and Dr. Malow bring a wealth of knowledge and passion to the Council that will assist with the long-term goals set forth through the original legislation. The meetings are open to the public and everyone is welcome to join us.”
For more information on the Tennessee Council on Autism Spectrum Disorder, including Council members and State designees, visit the Tennessee Council on Autism Spectrum Disorder website.
Last Updated: 8/27/2020 3:24:11 PM
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