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 daughter Jeanne, age 25 with Down syndrome, has been involved with the Kennedy Center since her early years. Because of the efforts of the Kennedy Center to develop the first postsecondary two-year educational program in Tennessee at Vanderbilt for persons with intellectual disabilities, Jeanne was able to be in the first class of 2011. This was life-changing for her. She developed confidence with new skills both socially and at work. For the past two years Jeanne has worked part-time at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center, her dream job. William Gavigan, III, MD - Parent See More... |
| A reflection from a professional |
| As a teacher and now as Director of Special Education in Manchester City Schools, I feel very fortunate to have received training from Vanderbilt Kennedy Center TRIAD myself. It helped me better serve my students with this challenging disorder. Now as our district administrator, I strongly encourage and support training opportunities for the teachers in our school system. This year alone over 50% of our special education teachers and/or assistants were involved in a training activity through TRIAD. The quality of this training is unsurpassed. In addition to the sessions offered at regional locations, our district was fortunate to have consultation and training provided on-site at our schools. I do not believe training of this quality and type is available anywhere else and even if it was, it would not be affordable for our school district. Our teachers are better prepared due to the training they received through TRIAD. However, the most important aspect is that our students receive the greatest benefit. Jenny Thomas - Director of Special Education, Manchester City Schools, Manchester, TN 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... |
| 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... |
Submit your reflection here