Vanderbilt Kennedy Center

Research and Disability Topics

Quickly find related research information, services, training, news, video, podcasts, upcoming events, links and other resources that the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center website has related to these topics.

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
    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.
  • ACM Lifting Lives Music Camp
    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.
  • April is Autism Awareness Month

    A time for learning, educating, and advocating
    Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) refers to a common group of neurodevelopmental disorders that affect social interaction, language and communication, and behavior. Although these areas of challenges are common to ASD, this brain-based disorder affects individuals in different ways.

  • Arts Program 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.
  • 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.
  • Input needed on autism service needs in TN: Autism Plan Survey and Community Conversations

    A time for learning, educating, and advocating
    Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) refers to a common group of neurodevelopmental disorders that affect social interaction, language and communication, and behavior. Although these areas of challenges are common to ASD, this brain-based disorder affects individuals in different ways.

  • March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month
    A time for learning, educating, and advocating
  • Research Family Partners
    Research Family Partners is a program that helps families connect with Vanderbilt Kennedy Center research studies in which they may be interested in taking part.
  • 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.
  • Tennessee Kindred Stories of Disability
    Families, friends and service providers share their stories about people living with disability in Tennessee.
  • 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.

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Printable Resources and Materials

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  • American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD)
    The professional association run by and for professionals who support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
  • Best Buddies (Vanderbilt Chapter)
    Vanderbilt University's Best Buddies chapter.
  • Gatlinburg Conference on Research and Theory in Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
    The Gatlinburg Conference continues its tradition as one of the premier conferences in the United States for behavioral scientists conducting research in intellectual and related 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 childhood education and 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.
  • Trends in the Prevalence of Developmental Disabilities in US Children, 1997–2008
    The abstract from a new study in Pediatrics determined the prevalence of developmental Trends in the Prevalence of Developmental Disabilities in US Children,
  • 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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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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Video, Podcast and Images

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In the News

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Vanderbilt Kennedy Center Research on Developmental disabilities

Related Researchers

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