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 |
 | The Center has meant a great deal to me and my family over the years. I am a Next Steps alumnus. We have great programs here and wonderful students who love being here. We made a video on You Tube and it is called “I am going to college—Even with my disability.” Because of the programs I have been involved in here I am now working two jobs….I have voted in every election here since I turned 18. Will McMillan - Next Steps at Vanderbilt alumnus 2013 See More... |
| A reflection from a researcher |
 | Early in my career my lab focused on fundamental neurobiology and identifying genes and proteins that impact chemical signaling. When I came to Vanderbilt and joined the VKC, I was encouraged to consider how my work on serotonin and dopamine transporters might link to neurodevelopmental disorders. I was impressed early on with the breadth of talent assembled by the VKC and the connections I made in this community started me down that path. My lab’s work is very focused, just one step, and our efforts might be wasted if not embraced in a larger context. I started my translational efforts with a VKC Hobbs Discovery Grant, and have been excited to see these efforts blossom. This grant allowed me to develop approaches to scan human transporter genes for mutations, efforts that led to the discovery or alterations in the dopamine transporter in subjects with ADHD, as well as changes in the serotonin transporter gene in subjects with autism. These mutations, which remain under active study in our lab as well as with collaborators, have led to significant funding from the NIH, and have been transferred into animal models so that we may gain insights into brain changes and possibly develop new treatments. Randy Blakely, Ph.D. - Pharmacology and Psychiatry See More... |
| A reflection from a professional |
 | Recently a mother shared with me that over four decades ago she gave birth to a baby girl with Down syndrome. The medical staff and others strongly encouraged her to give her daughter over to an institution as it was the best option at the time. While in the hospital a social worker from the Kennedy Center discussed services and resources available to her if she chose to keep her child in her care. As a result of their conversation she decided to raise her child with the support of her family and this Center. This family is currently thriving in their community. To work somewhere that touches people’s lives on such an incredible level is an experience I am very fortunate to be part of. Sarah Harvey - VKC Disability Professional 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