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 |
 | My involvement with the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center has been through Tennessee Adult Brothers and Sisters (TABS), a support group for adults who have siblings with special needs. We are the first generation to grow up with our siblings kept at home, instead of being institutionalized. That brings many wonderful blessings but also brings challenges. TABS, with the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, has helped us navigate this new course. Tina Prochaska - Sibling 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... |
| 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 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... |
Submit your reflection here