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 |
| I will never forget the moment I learned my son had autism—the fear, the confusion, the helplessness—how could I ever learn all I would need to know to raise this precious little person who experiences the world in ways I can’t imagine? The Families First program at the VKC was there from the beginning—educating, supporting, and encouraging us. And they were there three years later when I lived that moment a second time, the day I learned my daughter had autism—ready to help in every way they could. Elizabeth Stivers - Parent 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... |
| A reflection from a researcher |
 | As a sophomore volunteer in a preschool for children with language impairments. I was fascinated and touched by these bright children who had such difficulty communicating. One of the children had autism. Another had intellectual disability. Another seemed fine in every way but could not speak clearly. It seemed obvious that we could not use the same teaching methods with all of these children. Doing developmental disability research combines my love of the scientific method, my desire to be a positive force in the lives of children with communication disabilities, and my love of learning. The VKC Psychophysiology Lab is an example of the VKC’s commitment to supporting multidisciplinary research. Without it, this behavioral scientist could never move into using ERPs to measure speech processing. Without VKC Information Technology production and support of custom-made or adapted data collection and analysis programs, I simply would not be able to accomplish what I do. Paul Yoder, Ph.D. - Special Education 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... |
Submit your reflection here