50 Years - Opening Doors, Transforming Lives

Vanderbilt Kennedy Center Timeline

How quickly the world has changed for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in 50 years. Families, community organizations, researchers, clinicians, staff, students, educators, public policy makers - all have worked together to create change. We will create an even better future together over the next 50 years. The VKC Timeline places VKC milestones within the context of the national disabilities rights movement.

1950s | 1960s | 1970s | 1980s | 1990s | 2000s


View list of center directors

1980s

Photo of postdoctoral fellowship with mentor

1980 — Postdoctoral fellowships were added to Mental Retardation Research Training Program.


Photo of Nicholas Hobbs

Jan. 14, 1983 — The Human Development Laboratory was renamed the Nicholas Hobbs Laboratory of Human Development, in honor of Nicholas Hobbs.


Photo of the sculpture “Come Play” by Nashville artist Katherine Blackman Haven

Oct. 21, 1984 — The sculpture “Come Play” by Nashville artist Katherine Blackman Haven was installed in front of the Hobbs Laboratory, in honor of Nicholas Hobbs, with leadership from Mary Hobbs and Ann Roos. [Photo VU/Neil Brake]


Photo of Susan Gray with a child

April 2, 1986 — The Experimental School was renamed the Susan Gray School for Children, in honor of Susan Gray.


July 1989 — The Developmental Psychopathology Research Training Program was founded, funded by NIMH.

VISIT A DECADE: 1950s 1960s 1970s 1980s 1990s 2000s

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