Community Organizations

The VKC TRIAD Community Engagement Program is an innovative partnership with community cultural and civic organizations that works to promote full inclusion of all children and adults. These organizations are prominent arts, education, athletic, and community organizations across Nashville, who readily took initiative in learning how to be a stronger and more reliable community for everyone. Partnerships include training staff to increase awareness, developing research-based supports to increase accessibility for families, and hosting an inclusive/modified performance or activity.

Part I. Staff and Volunteer Accessibility Modules

  • triad.vkclearning.org
    • Select “Click here for Community Partners”
    • Create a free account
    • Complete modules
  • Who can complete the modules? This training is designed for staff and volunteers involved with arts, education, athletic, government, and community organizations.
  • What will they learn? The information provided with help organizations increase their ability to include and support individuals with autism spectrum disorders, intellectual and developmental disabilities, and their families. Topics covered include an overview of ASD and other disabilities, how to communicate with families, effective strategies and supports, and how to respond to challenging situations.

Part 2. Train-the-Trainer Lab

  • Who can attend? This training is designed for staff who are involved or interested in identifying accessibility challenges and solutions for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other intellectual and developmental disabilities and helping to build capacity within their organization. It is recommended participants attend TRIAD's Staff and Volunteer Accessibility Workshop prior to attending this workshop.
  • What will they learn? Participants will receive resources to provide in-person and remote trainings to their organization using TRIAD online training modules and learn skills to develop evidence-based resources for general use or specific events at their organization. Attendees will have the opportunity to identify and create supports to implement, as well as have access to continued TRIAD support following the training.
  • When is the training?
    October 20th & October 21st
    9:00am – 11:00 am CST
    Must attend both days
    Training will be conducted via Zoom
  • Register here:
    https://redcap.link/TTT_Fall22
Here you can find links to other network member websites and examples of supports available at other organizations.
vkc.vumc.org/vkc/triad/cei-contact-resources-directory/

Promoting Inclusive Practices in the Community

This toolkit outlines important steps and evidence-based practices to help organizations continue to create an inclusive culture and community for all. It is intended for anyone interested in making their organization more accessible and inclusive. This includes any key organization member who works at or contributes to their community organization. Key organization members include owners, members of the board, directors, supervisors, performers, staff, interns, and volunteers. This interactive online toolkit is free, but you must log in to acess using these instructions:

  1. Go to triad.vkclearning.org
  2. Create a free account by clicking on “Register.” You will create a username and password. Fill out the form and select “TRIAD” under “Choose the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center Division for Course Access.” You will receive an email verification. Once you do, click the link to verify your account and log in.
  3. Choose Informational Toolkits
  4. Click “open” next to “Promoting Neurodiversity and Inclusion in Community Organizations”
If you already have a TRIAD online learning account you can view the interactive online course here. An abbreviated, printable version of the content in this toolkit is available in PDF format here.

Contact Information

Local: (615) 322-7565
Toll-free: (877) ASD-VUMC (273-8862)
E-mail: families.first@vumc.org