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 |
 | My involvement with the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center has been through Tennessee Adult Brothers and Sisters (TABS), a support group for adults who have siblings with special needs. We are the first generation to grow up with our siblings kept at home, instead of being institutionalized. That brings many wonderful blessings but also brings challenges. TABS, with the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, has helped us navigate this new course. Tina Prochaska - Sibling See More... |
| A reflection from a trainee |
 | As a Postdoctoral Fellow, I was a trainee with LEND (Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities]. This experience was invaluable to my current work as a clinical psychologist who specializes in diagnosing very young children with autism. My LEND training enhanced my abilities to understand families’ perspectives, to collaborate across disciplines, and to maintain cultural competence, all of which helps me provide better care to children and parents at a very difficult moment in their lives. Amy Weitlauf - VKC Member and Former LEND Trainee See More... |
| A reflection from a professional |
| [The VKC] is an absolutely amazing place to work, but more importantly, people here truly help to change lives for the better. I’ve worked here in some capacity since I graduated from the Master’s of Special Education program in 2007, and I cannot think of a better place to refer families who have a loved one with a disability. In my own work, we are helping high school students with autism and their families prepare for the transition from high school, and we are also helping faith communities as they support people with disabilities to find and hold employment. Jenny Gustafson - Special Education Alumna and VKC Disability Professional See More... |
| A reflection from a researcher |
 | As a clinical scientist, my research is highly influenced by the natural social world in which our children with autism struggle and strive to succeed. Within this context–amidst peer interaction and play–we are learning ways to understand and thereby improve the social functioning of children with autism and related neurodevelopmental disorders. Our research in the SENSE lab is fundamentally translational–informed by clinical knowledge, guided by research, and motivated by community partnerships. The mission of the VKC, to improve the quality of life of individuals with developmental disabilities, has always resonated with me and was one of the key reasons I came to Vanderbilt. From the pictures on the banners that greet you when you walk in the door to the Grand Round presentations by leaders in neuroscience, psychology, special education, medicine and more–there is a deep sense of commitment to making each day better, brighter, and more meaningful for the children and adults we serve. Blythe Corbett, Ph.D. - Psychiatry and Psychology See More... |
Submit your reflection here