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 |
 | For 50 years, the Center has searched for ways to improve the lives of people with disabilities and their families. One of those ways is sponsoring the Tennessee Adult Brothers and Sisters (TABS) sibling network….The VKC has many projects and programs that assist and empower our siblings, families, and us to provide the best life possible. John Donovan - Brother See More... |
| A reflection from a trainee |
 | As a Postdoctoral Fellow, I was a trainee with LEND (Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities]. This experience was invaluable to my current work as a clinical psychologist who specializes in diagnosing very young children with autism. My LEND training enhanced my abilities to understand families’ perspectives, to collaborate across disciplines, and to maintain cultural competence, all of which helps me provide better care to children and parents at a very difficult moment in their lives. Amy Weitlauf - VKC Member and Former LEND Trainee See More... |
| A reflection from a researcher |
 | My research interests have always been grounded in questions of development, specifically as they relate to the development of sensory and multisensory systems. As a natural extension of these interests, I have a deep desire to better understand what happens under circumstances where development goes awry. Hence, my research program has gravitated more and more toward studies of how sensory function is altered in children and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities. The VKC is an extraordinary place with extraordinary people. When contemplating a move to Vanderbilt, the presence of a center with such dedicated and passionate people, state-of-the-art resources, and deep-seated community support “sealed the deal.” To be able to work in such an environment, driven by the singular mission to help those living with developmental disabilities, is at the same time humbling and inspiring. I don’t know of another place where my research program could be better supported, but more importantly, where I feel that my work can be translated in such a way as to make a meaningful difference in so many lives. Mark Wallace, Ph.D. - Hearing and Speech Sciences, Psychiatry, and Psychology See More... |
| A reflection from a professional |
| I was introduced to the Kennedy Center in 1975 when I was an undergraduate at Peabody College, now Vanderbilt University. It changed my life, and set me on my career path. I left as a graduate, and I came back for graduate studies. And I work in disability and I still count on the Kennedy Center every day. Carol Westlake - Tennessee Disability Public Policy Advocate See More... |
Submit your reflection here