Vanderbilt Kennedy Center

Vanderbilt Kennedy Center The Vanderbilt Kennedy Center supports research to improve lives of people with disabilities.

01/23/2026

Vanderbilt’s chapter of Tikkun Olam Makers (a global movement of communities that creates and disseminates affordable solutions to challenges of people living with disabilities, the elderly and the poor) is hosting a Go Baby Go event in which they adapt toy cars for small children with dexterity challenges at no cost to families. Their goal this year is to adapt five cars. Please contact vanderbilt@tomglobal.org for more information or to see if your child qualifies.

TONIGHT!  "The History of Disabilities In Our Community: Living with Blindness and Visual Impairments"When: Wednesday, J...
01/21/2026

TONIGHT! "The History of Disabilities In Our Community: Living with Blindness and Visual Impairments"

When: Wednesday, January 21, 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Where: Martin Luther King Jr. Magnet High School, 613 17th Avenue North, Nashville TN 37203 (This venue is wheelchair accessible)
Cost: FREE
RSVP HERE: https://forms.gle/wm8jdtNmt9DvkryB7

Now in its third year, the Then and Now program explores the history and impact of Nashville's minority communities through the scholarly work of historians and the personal stories of community members. The series is moderated by Dr. André L. Churchwell, Senior Advisor on Inclusion and Community Outreach at Vanderbilt University.

Please use forms.gle link to register, in advance.
Contact: Rebecca Price rebecca.price@nashville.gov

https://events.library.nashville.org/cal/event/eventView.do?b=de&href=/public/cals/MainCal/CAL-8a3e8e4b-9a3598ff-019a-7f2ee5d7-000002ae.ics

HAVE YOU RSVPED YET?We are excited to partner with Bridges for Deaf and Hard of Hearing to present a special screening o...
01/21/2026

HAVE YOU RSVPED YET?

We are excited to partner with Bridges for Deaf and Hard of Hearing to present a special screening of the documentary YOU. SLEEP. STAY., directed by Emmy-winning filmmaker David Grabias, on Sunday, Feb. 1, at 2 p.m. at BridgesTN, located at 935 Edgehill Ave., Nashville.

Admission is FREE, but space is limited. There will be light refreshments available, and advance registration is appreciated.

RSVP HERE: https://form.jotform.com/260085609038155

ABOUT THE FILM:
YOU. SLEEP. STAY. invites audiences into the world of Fred, a Deaf, intellectually and developmentally disabled elder who has spent over 70 years in Polk State Center in Polk, PA. As the institution is set to close, and Fred prepares to leave the only home he has known since he was a young child, the film immerses viewers in the rhythms of his daily life — his experience of time, his connections with others, and the unique ways he navigates language and community.

More than just an observational portrait, YOU. SLEEP. STAY. offers a deeply felt exploration of what it means to belong, to care, and to bear witness. Through a rich cinematic approach that prioritizes presence and empathy, the film challenges audiences to reflect on the ways we build institutions, forge family bonds, and show up for our communities.

Email info@bridgesfordeafandhh.org or call 615-248-8828 (voice) or 615-290-5147 (videophone) for more information.

The first 2026 edition of Tennessee Disability Pathfinder's Compass newsletter is out! Check it out here:
01/20/2026

The first 2026 edition of Tennessee Disability Pathfinder's Compass newsletter is out! Check it out here:

From the Director: A New Year Message, The Compass – January 2026 Posted on January 15, 2026January 12, 2026 by Megan Hart Dear Friends of Pathfinder, Happy New Year! I hope 2026 is off to a great start after an enjoyable holiday season! A new year is often associated with new beginnings that lead...

"Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?'" -- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., 1957
01/19/2026

"Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?'" -- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., 1957

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!Research Ethics Grand Rounds Webinar: "The Ethical Implications of AI Usage in Disability Research"T...
01/16/2026

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

Research Ethics Grand Rounds Webinar:
"The Ethical Implications of AI Usage in Disability Research"
Tuesday, February 10, 12:00-1:00 p.m.
Held online via Zoom: click here to register: https://vkc.vumc.org/events/7145

Artificial intelligence (AI) has, in many cases, proven to be a beneficial tool across our daily lives. AI's resourcefulness has extended into the research and clinical sphere, expediting work that would have taken much longer had it remained in human hands exclusively.

However, AI is not without its pitfalls -- from concerns of privacy to the extensive use of environmental resources to keep its massive engines running 24/7. What are the ethical implications of AI usage when it comes to research and clinical practice? How does AI take into account the specific needs and concerns when developing research or tailoring health care for individuals with disabilities? Are we at risk of losing personalized patient-forward care in exchange for the convenience of technology?

Please join us at 12 p.m. CT on Tuesday, Feb. 10, for a virtual discussion with researchers and clinicians who serve individuals with disabilities and who've used AI in their fields.

Panelists:
--Laurie Cutting, Ph.D., Patricia and Rodes Hart Professor of Special Education; Professor of Psychology, Radiology, and Pediatrics; Associate Director, Vanderbilt Kennedy Center;
--Paul Dressler, M.D., MPH, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Division of Developmental Medicine
--Beth Malow, M.D., M.S., Burry Chair in Cognitive Childhood Development; Professor of Neurology and Pediatrics;
--Amy Weitlauf, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Pediatrics; TRIAD Associate Director of Research;
--Sarika Peters, Ph.D. (Moderator), Associate Professor of Pediatrics and Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences

MARK YOUR CALENDARS AND RSVP!We are excited to partner with Bridges for Deaf and Hard of Hearing to present a special sc...
01/14/2026

MARK YOUR CALENDARS AND RSVP!

We are excited to partner with Bridges for Deaf and Hard of Hearing to present a special screening of the documentary YOU. SLEEP. STAY., directed by Emmy-winning filmmaker David Grabias, on Sunday, Feb. 1, at 2 p.m. at BridgesTN, located at 935 Edgehill Ave., Nashville.

Admission is FREE, but space is limited. There will be light refreshments available, and advance registration is appreciated.

RSVP HERE: https://form.jotform.com/260085609038155

ABOUT THE FILM:
YOU. SLEEP. STAY. invites audiences into the world of Fred, a Deaf, intellectually and developmentally disabled elder who has spent over 70 years in Polk State Center in Polk, PA. As the institution is set to close, and Fred prepares to leave the only home he has known since he was a young child, the film immerses viewers in the rhythms of his daily life — his experience of time, his connections with others, and the unique ways he navigates language and community.

More than just an observational portrait, YOU. SLEEP. STAY. offers a deeply felt exploration of what it means to belong, to care, and to bear witness. Through a rich cinematic approach that prioritizes presence and empathy, the film challenges audiences to reflect on the ways we build institutions, forge family bonds, and show up for our communities.

Email info@bridgesfordeafandhh.org or call 615-248-8828 (voice) or 615-290-5147 (videophone) for more information.

Mattel Inc. is introducing an autistic Barbie on Monday as the newest member of its line, joining a collection that alre...
01/13/2026

Mattel Inc. is introducing an autistic Barbie on Monday as the newest member of its line, joining a collection that already includes Barbies with Down syndrome, a blind Barbie, a Barbie and a Ken with vitiligo.

Mattel said it developed the autistic doll over more than 18 months in partnership with the Autistic Self Advocacy Network, a nonprofit organization that advocates for the rights and better media representation of people with autism. The goal: to create a Barbie that reflected some of the ways autistic people may experience and process the world around them, according to a Mattel news release.

Mattel Inc. is introducing an autistic Barbie on Monday as the newest member of its line intended to celebrate diversity, joining a collection that already includes Barbies with Down syndrome, a blind Barbie, a Barbie and a Ken with vitiligo, and other models the toymaker added to make its fashion dolls more inclusive.

Read more: https://abcnews.visitlink.me/LihD5F

On a gray, blustery December day in Nashville, students piled coats and bags into the corner of a bright, windowed class...
01/12/2026

On a gray, blustery December day in Nashville, students piled coats and bags into the corner of a bright, windowed classroom inside Vanderbilt Peabody College’s Six Magnolia Circle. Lively chatter, applause and words of support bounced around the room, and holiday cookies lined a table by the door. It was presentation day for scholars in Next Steps at Vanderbilt participating in a collaboration with Peabody service-learning students, who were there to watch and cheer on their peers.

LINK:

By Jennifer Kiilerich On a gray, blustery December day in Nashville, students piled coats and bags into the corner of a bright, windowed classroom inside Vanderbilt Peabody College’s Six Magnolia Circle. Lively chatter, applause and words of support bounced around the room, and holiday cookies lin...

A WEEK FROM TODAY!Tennessee Disability Pathfinder presents "Navigating Future Financial Assistance with ABLE TN"Thursday...
01/08/2026

A WEEK FROM TODAY!

Tennessee Disability Pathfinder presents "Navigating Future Financial Assistance with ABLE TN"
Thursday, January 15, 2026, 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM CT

Learn how ABLE TN helps individuals with disabilities save and invest while maintaining essential benefits.

Interpretation requests close today, COB (close of business day), January 8th.

🔔 Register now! 🔔 https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_4fEkRfcLSSKy2US7tWzN_A #/registration

Questions? TNPathfindermedia@vumc.org.

Arabic, ASL, and Spanish interpretations are available upon request during registration.

To ensure we can accommodate your needs, please submit your request by close of business (COB) on January 8, 2026.

SPRING 2026 SIBSHOPS MEETING DATES!January 24 February 28 March 21April 18Sibshops are lively events for siblings of chi...
01/06/2026

SPRING 2026 SIBSHOPS MEETING DATES!

January 24
February 28
March 21
April 18

Sibshops are lively events for siblings of children with special needs (including intellectual or developmental disabilities, special medical needs, and mental health concerns). These workshops provide kids with the chance to meet other siblings, play games, learn about special needs, share their experiences, and have fun.

Sibshops welcomes children ages 8-13. Meetings are held one Saturday per month from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Vanderbilt University (new location TBD due to campus construction). Staff is comprised of volunteers, including Vanderbilt graduate students, staff, and faculty, and adult siblings of people with disabilities. All personnel have completed a background check and received training in protection of minors.

For more information on SibShops, visit https://redcap.link/VanderbiltSibshops.

Address

110 Magnolia Cir
Nashville, TN
37203

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