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 Kennedy Center has been so important to our family. Our son Seth who is now 25 was born with Williams syndrome, which presents both physical and cognitive challenges. The programs at the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center have focused on Seth’s abilities and highlighted his talents. Seth has participated for the past 9 years in a music camp for individuals with Williams syndrome, which takes place in Nashville at the Kennedy Center with the campers writing and performing a song at the Grand Ole Opry and participating in research during the week. It has been transformative for Seth and he has made life-long friends through these amazing opportunities. Becky and Chris Link - Parents 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 |
 | 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 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