Vanderbilt Kennedy Center Director Jeffrey Neul, MD, PhD; Administration on Disabilities Commissioner Rebecca Hines, PhD; VKC University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Co-Directors Pablo Juárez, MEd, BCBA, LBA; and Julie Lounds Taylor, PhD; and AoD Director Ophelia McLain, DHA, MPH, during a recent visit to the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center. (photo by Donn Jones) Vanderbilt Kennedy Center Director Jeffrey Neul, MD, PhD; Administration on Disabilities Commissioner Rebecca Hines, PhD; VKC University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Co-Directors Pablo Juárez, MEd, BCBA, LBA; and Julie Lounds Taylor, PhD; and AoD Director Ophelia McLain, DHA, MPH, during a recent visit to the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center. (photo by Donn Jones)
By: Danny Bonvissuto

Vanderbilt Kennedy Center (VKC) recently hosted Commissioner Rebecca Hines, PhD, and Director Ophelia McLain, DHA, MPH, at the Administration on Disabilities, a U.S. government agency under the Department of Health and Human Services.

Commissioner Hines expressed interest in learning more about VKC programs, including the University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD) program. The Administration on Disabilities (AoD), part of the Administration for Community Living, provides grant funding for the national network of UCEDD sites, including VKC.

She also wanted to learn more about the Tennessee Developmental Disabilities Network, which includes VKC’s UCEDD, as well as the UCEDD at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis, the Tennessee Council on Developmental Disabilities, and Disability Rights Tennessee.

Administration on Disabilities Commissioner Rebecca Hines, PhD, participates in a community discussion during her visit. (photo by Donn Jones)
Administration on Disabilities Commissioner Rebecca Hines, PhD, participates in a community discussion during her visit. (photo by Donn Jones)

In addition to an overview of VKC and the Tennessee Developmental Disabilities Network. Commissioner Hines participated in a community discussion.

“We were honored to welcome Commissioner Hines and Director McLain to share the work of Vanderbilt Kennedy Center and our partners across Tennessee,” said VKC UCEDD Co-Director Pablo Juárez, MEd, BCBA, LBA. “The visit demonstrated the impact of the UCEDD model and the importance of strong, connected developmental disabilities networks.

“No single organization can meet the needs of people with developmental disabilities alone. By bringing together people with disabilities, families, researchers, educators, providers and community partners, UCEDDs help strengthen systems of support, expand opportunities and create communities where people with disabilities can participate fully, contribute their strengths and lead meaningful lives.”