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 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 researcher |
 | When I began my career, my clinical practice included many pediatric patients with chronic or recurrent pain who were referred to me for psychotherapy because their medical evaluations yielded no evidence of organic disease or injury. At that time, most health care providers believed that these patients’ pain was “not real” or was “just in their head.” I was intrigued by this problem and developed a program of research aimed at identifying processes that could create disabling chronic pain in children who, according to their medical evaluation, were perfectly healthy. My interest in this area has been sustained over the years by advances in our understanding of how the mind and the body interact to influence our experience of pain. Because a biopsychosocial perspective guides my research, I find the multidisciplinary nature of the VKC particularly attractive. The disciplines represented by the Kennedy Center offer unique and valuable insights into the nature of pain. The VKC is a major reason that I have spent my entire academic career at Vanderbilt. Lynn Walker, Ph.D. - Pediatrics and Psychology See More... |
| A reflection from a trainee |
| As a UCEDD trainee, the VKC has been very important to me. I have learned so much from contributing to many of its self-advocacy projects for people with disabilities, and I am proud to be a part of all they do in the Nashville community. As a graduate student in Peabody College, I feel that working with the VKC UCEDD has helped me to mature in ways that will make me a successful special education teacher. Carrie Glover - Graduate student in Special Education and VKC UCEDD Trainee See More... |
Submit your reflection here