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 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 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 researcher |
 | My interests in language and communication by young children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) began when I was a postdoctoral fellow at University of Kansas conducting a study of children with IDD who lived in a residential treatment center. At the same time, I was taking advanced courses in linguistics and child language. The combination of observing how these children and youth communicated (or did not communicate) and learning about theories of language acquisition prompted me to start a series of studies on early language intervention in natural environments. I am still interested in effective early interventions that can be delivered in natural environments to promote the best possible outcomes for children with disabilities and their families. I came to Vanderbilt in large part because of the research support and opportunities that the VKC offered. I saw membership in a center as a wonderful way to be involved in IDD research nationally, to have access to colleagues with similar interests, and to conduct my research in a context where it would be valued and supported. Over the years, the VKC has provided many practical supports for my projects. The VKC offers opportunities to collaborate with researchers on campus who have similar interests and to meet with outstanding researchers from all over the country who visit the VKC. The VKC core services assist me in recruiting children and families and staying in communication with the community. Ann Kaiser, Ph.D. - Special Education and Psychology See More... |
Submit your reflection here