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 researcher |
 | In so many different ways, the VKC carries out the work near and dear to the Kennedy family, a family interested in disabilities long before such interest was popular. In particular, the Kennedy Center’s support of interdisciplinary collaborations has been crucial to my research as well as to that of many other VKC investigators. Indeed, the VKC has been a cornerstone in the development of Vanderbilt’s strong culture of collaboration. Specific to my work, for some time I have been convinced of the salience of emotional processes to a comprehensive understanding of childhood stuttering; however, we lacked the necessary expertise to launch a meaningful program of study of emotion. Through the VKC, however, the necessary expertise was found in the form of psychologist Tedra Walden. The resulting collaboration has led to an NIH-supported program of study. Without the VKC, this collaboration would not have occurred, a collaboration that has made a difference in my research that will, I believe, make a difference in the lives of people who stutter and their families Edward Conture, Ph.D. - Hearing and Speech Sciences 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... |
| A reflection from a professional |
 | In my role, I assist families who have children with autism spectrum disorder. I have the opportunity each day to hear directly from families about their struggles and triumphs. Even the simplest of daily routines can be difficult for families who have children with autism. I feel lucky that families choose to share their stories with me. I also feel extremely lucky to be a part of the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center where many talented researchers are trying to determine the best interventions and treatments for the families I speak with. Daily, I listen to families, validate their concerns and feelings, and hopefully offer them a service or resources to address their needs. The Vanderbilt Kennedy Center is a true asset to these families as well as to the University, the greater Nashville community, and others who are much farther away. Nina Harris - VKC Disability Professional See More... |
Submit your reflection here