The Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD) hosts a conference in Washington, D.C., each year to bring together its network of 67 UCEDDS, 14 IDDRCs, and 52 LEND programs.[1] This year, the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center (VKC) was well-represented by faculty, staff, and trainees who presented posters, led breakout sessions, and advocated on “The Hill” for the rights of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.
“Lift Your Voice” was the theme of the November 2017 conference. Conference chair Bruce Keisling (University of Tennessee Boling Center for Developmental Disabilities) welcomed participants at the opening session and underscored “the critical importance that communication and advocacy, both personal and collective, have in our public lives.”
The VKC contributed during the week to a variety of discussions on topics like inclusive higher education, telehealth and telemedicine, and dissemination practices. Faculty and staff participated in or led AUCD’s Special Interest Groups on the subjects of autism, abuse and neglect, communication, and spiritual supports.
In addition to photos highlighting the week’s activities, detailed descriptions of VKC-led presentations and posters are provided below. The story continues after photos.
Photo #1: We were thrilled that the TN Council on Developmental Disabilities joined us this year. The Council’s Lauren Pearcy (left) is pictured here with VKC UCEDD co-director Elise McMillan at their poster on the TennesseeWorks partnership.
Photo #2: VKC meetings with staff of Congresswoman Diane Black.
Photo #3: VKC meetings with staff of Senator Lamar Alexander.
Photo #4: Former VKC UCEDD trainee Carly Blustein Gilson won the CORE Research Award. She accepted with her faculty advisor Erik Carter (VKC member).
Photo #5: Janet Shouse (IDD Health Care Toolkit) with VKC UCEDD Community Advisory Council Chair Tina Prochaska.
Vanderbilt Kennedy Center Presentations
The names of VKC-affiliated individuals are bolded
Red Flags and Variants and Websites, Oh My! – Teaching Genetics Competencies to LEND Trainees
Tyler Reimschisel, M.D., MHPE, Vanderbilt Consortium LEND
Anne Bradford Harris, Ph.D., MPH, R.D., Waisman Center
John Moeschler, M.D., New Hampshire LEND Program
This concurrent session demonstrated the two genetics modules in the LEND Neurodevelopmental Disabilities Core Curriculum Resources, introduced the Genetics Core Competencies developed by the LEND Genetics Workgroup, and provided an opportunity for participants to apply the Genetics Core Competencies as a guide to modifying or enhancing the genetics education.
Impact of Partnering with Providers through Telehealth and Conferences to Transform Health Care for Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Elise McMillan, J.D., Vanderbilt Kennedy Center UCEDD
Janet Shouse, Vanderbilt Kennedy Center UCEDD
Jana Dreyzehner, M.D., Tennessee physician, IDD Toolkit Team
Tamar Heller, Ph.D., Institute on Disability & Human Development
Maria Mello, M.S., Vanderbilt Kennedy Center UCEDD Trainee
Presenters from Illinois and Tennessee shared strategies and outcomes in building systems to transform health care for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). In Tennessee, providers took part in live videoconferences for case-based education in best practices in caring for adults with IDD. In Illinois, leaders on disability rights and disability health care from around the country gathered and through presentations and work sessions identified priorities and action plans.
Inclusive Postsecondary Education: Research-to-Practice, Employment Service Settings, and Disability Studies
Erik Carter, Ph.D., Vanderbilt Kennedy Center UCEDD
Carol Laws, Ph.D., MSW, Institute on Human Development and Disability
Derek Nord, Ph.D., Indiana Institute on Disability and Community
This presentation addressed three areas important to consider when creating successful transition systems: (1) a compelling state-level collaboration to create a research-based and user-friendly professional development and resource portal on transition for the State of Tennessee; (2) supporting future advancement and advocacy efforts through a study utilizing National Core Indicators data to understand the connection between service settings and often-overlooked outcomes, such as relationships and self-determination, for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities across the country; and (3) a postsecondary education program designed to support the full inclusion of students with intellectual and developmental disabilities on campus.
Addressing Service Gaps for Families and Providers of Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders in Rural Communities: Is Telehealth the Solution?
Alacia Stainbrook, Ph.D., VKC Treatment and Research Institute for Autism Spectrum Disorders (TRIAD)
Canyon Hardesty, M.S., Wyoming Institute for Disabilities
Gwen Mitchell, Ph.D., Center on Disabilities and Human Development
This session addressed service gaps for families of children with ASD in rural communities, and provided evidence of methods to increase service capacity. Three different models of service delivery described how to expedite diagnostic and early intervention services via tele-practice and smart phone technology.
From the Goat Rocks to the Symphony Halls: Building an Inclusive Society by Promoting Self-Actualization and Self-Determination for All
Verity Rodrigues, Ph.D., VKC Treatment and Research Institute for Autism Spectrum Disorders (TRIAD)
Daniel Wells, M.S., University of Vermont
TRIAD educational consultant Verity Rodrigues and self-advocate, long-distance backpacker, and photographer Dan Wells facilitated a discussion of what is possible when we break down the barriers of disability. Dan shared the story of 430 miles on the Pacific Crest Trail with cerebral palsy. Verity described an innovative partnership bringing children with autism to the Nashville Symphony.
The Leading Edge of Dissemination: Lifting Our Voices in the Digital Age
Courtney Taylor, M.Div., Vanderbilt Kennedy Center
Matthew Gianino, MBA, Institute on Disability
Crystal Pariseau, MSSW, Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD)
Dissemination is one of the core functions within the AUCD Network. Panelists discussed current trends in dissemination activities with a focus on promoting the “voice” of advocates and self-advocates. Taylor presented on partnerships and collaboration. Gianino presented on accessibility. Pariseau discussed communication from a national perspective.
Vanderbilt Kennedy Center Posters
Poster presentations from VKC-affiliated faculty and staff included:
- Rapid Telediagnosis of Early Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): A Valid Approach
- Developing and Implementing Case-Based Telehealth Training for Primary Care Providers of Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
- The TennesseeWorks Partnership: Elevating Employment Outcomes for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
- The Power and Practice of Community Conversations: Expanding Opportunities for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
- Statewide Implementation of an Experiential Training Paradigm to Support Educators Through In-Person and Teleconferenced Training, Coaching, and Mentorship
For more information, contact courtney.taylor@vanderbilt.edu
Courtney Taylor is VKC associate director of Communications and Dissemination.
[1]The Vanderbilt Kennedy Center is a UCEDD (University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities), an IDDRC (Eunice Kennedy Shriver Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center), and a LEND (Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities) program.
