Developmental disabilities
A developmental disability is a condition that is significant and ongoing, begins before age 22, and substantially limits functioning in daily activities of living. Examples include autism spectrum disorders, brain or spinal cord injury, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, fetal alcohol syndrome, intellectual disabilities, Prader-Willi syndrome, spin bifida, and Williams syndrome. There are approximately 4.5 million individuals with developmental disabilities in the United States.
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Services and Programs
- Family Outreach Center and Disability Services
Disability-specific programs associated with the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center and other organizations at Vanderbilt provide a broad range of treatment, research, technical assistance, education, and outreach services. - Arts and Disabilities at the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center
Programs include exhibits by artists with disabilities and activities for people with disabilities to practice and express themselves through art. - Best Buddies
Best Buddies Colleges pairs people with intellectual disabilities in one-to-one friendships with college students. - Down Syndrome Clinic
The clinic works with families referred by their primary care provider and provides special care in a wide variety of fields, and assists patients in finding other services. - Fragile X Clinic
The Vanderbilt Fragile X Clinic is a new clinic providing resources for individuals and families affected by fragile X. The clinic is part of the National Fragile X Foundation Clinics Consortium. - Music Camp for People with Disabilities
A weeklong residential camp where campers participate in a songwriting workshop, recording session, songwriter's night and a live performance on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry. - Shriver Transitions and Sports Camp for People with Disabilities
Summer camp experience for students with developmental disabilities between the ages of 16 and 22. The camp offers tools to guide campers toward self-empowerment, realization of life goals, and real techniques to achieve a full and independent life. - Tennessee Disability Pathfinder - An internet community and statewide helpline
Phone, web, and print resources in English and Spanish to connect the Tennessee disability community with service providers. Referral services, free of cost, are provided to persons with disabilities, family members, service providers, and advocates. - Tip Sheets
Tip sheets are tools for individuals and families with and without disabilities, service providers, students and trainees, and anyone interested in learning more about disabilities and disability-related topics. - TRIAD Social Skills Summer Camp
The TRIAD Social Skills Summer Camp is a social skills program designed specifically for children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders who are between the ages of 7 and 21, and who have language and reading skills.
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Printable Resources and Materials
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Links and Resources
- American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD)
The professional association run by and for professionals who support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. - National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD)
A national, member-driven organization that advocates and works towards positive system change on behalf of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. - National Down Syndrome Congress
The mission of the NDSC is to provide information, advocacy and support concerning all aspects of life for individuals with Down syndrome. - Sibling Support Project
The Sibling Support Project is a national effort dedicated to the life-long concerns of brothers and sisters of people who have special health, developmental, or mental health concerns. - Special Olympics
Special Olympics is an international organization dedicated to empowering individuals with intellectual disabilities to become physically fit, productive and respected members of society through sports training and competition. Special Olympics offers children and adults with intellectual disabilities year-round training and competition in 26 Olympic-type summer and winter sports. - Susan Gray School
A nationally recognized early
intervention program that includes typically
developing children in educational
settings with children with disabilities. - The Arc of the United States
The Arc is the world’s largest community based organization of and for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It provides an array of services and support for families and individuals and includes over 140,000 members affiliated through more than 850 state and local chapters across the nation. - The National Fragile X Foundation
The National Fragile X Foundation unites the Fragile X community to
Enrich lives through educational and emotional support,
Promote public and professional awareness, and
Advance research toward improved treatments and a cure for Fragile X. - The Williams Syndrome Association
The WSA is the only group in the US devoted exclusively to improving the lives of individuals with Williams syndrome and their families. The WSA supports research into all facets of the syndrome, and the development of the most up to date educational materials regarding Williams syndrome. - United Cerebral Palsy (UCP)
United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) is the leading source of information on cerebral palsy and is a pivotal advocate for the rights of persons with any disability. As one of the largest health charities in America, the UCP mission is to advance the independence, productivity and full citizenship of people with disabilities through an affiliate network.
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Upcoming Events
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StudyFinder - Participate in a study related to Developmental disabilities
Vanderbilt Kennedy Center researchers need subjects to complete the studies listed below.
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In the News
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