Shaping Positive Behaviors

01/19/2026

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

01/19/2026

On this Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Women In Behavior Analysis reflects on Dr. King’s reminder that greatness is not reserved for titles or platforms. It is built through service, advocacy, and the daily choices we make to improve the systems around us.

As women in behavior analysis, we know that meaningful change happens when we design environments that promote dignity, equity, and opportunity and when we use our voices to serve others and shape a more just field.

Today, and every day, we commit to leadership grounded in service.

01/07/2026

Parents register their children independently. Classes are open and available to any student provided there is space in the class. Due to time constraints, typically only 8 students are accepted for each group. If registration button not active, class is full. 

01/07/2026

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.

01/07/2026

📌 Reminder

Every student learns differently. That is not a problem to fix. It is something to understand.

Families bring deep knowledge of their child.
Educators bring experience and instructional expertise.
When families and educators work together, students are better supported.

At Family Engagement, we support families and schools as they work toward the same goal. Helping each student learn in the way that works best for them.

💙 Learning looks different for every student. And that is exactly how it should be.

👉 Learn more about family centered, collaboration focused special education support across Tennessee:
🔗 https://familyengagementtn.com/

12/10/2025

11/30/2025

🎓 Planning for life after high school can feel overwhelming, but families don’t have to do it alone.

This Family Guide to the Transition-Focused IEP was created by Transition Tennessee Vanderbilt University in partnership with Family Engagement in Special Education to help families understand transition planning in a clear way.

📘 Get the free guide here:
https://familyengagementtn.com/a-family-guide-to-the-transition-focused-iep/

11/30/2025

Next Steps at Vanderbilt has received a $2.3 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor to enhance and expand its ground-breaking apprenticeship program. Next Steps, a four-year postsecondary education program for neurodiverse students, began offering...Read more

11/30/2025

🎉 It's Time to BE BOLD! 🎉

WIBA's Winter Virtual Conference: WOMEN BEHAVING BOLDLY is happening
🗓️ January 15th & 16th, 2026!

Join us to celebrate and learn from the women who are leading the way in Behavior Analysis through bold, innovative, and compassionate action.

💡 What to Expect:

TWO DAYS, TWO TRACKS: Dive deep into research, practice, and professional development.

💻 100% Virtual: Join the live-stream on BehaviorLive or catch up on-demand!
💲 99.00 - Early Bird Rate
📄CEUs: Earn your CEUs from top professionals.

Early Bird registration is open! Secure your spot now: https://behaviorlive.com/conferences/wiba-boldly26/registration

🗣 Speaker announcements coming soon!

11/30/2025

✨🎨 SENSORY PAINT DAY — TICKETS NOW LIVE! 🎨✨

All Things Autism Foundation is kicking off 2026 with something fun, colorful, and sensory-friendly for ALL our kiddos (and parents too)!

🚨 EARLY BIRD SPECIAL IS OFFICIALLY OPEN!
For a limited time, tickets are only $10 each!
(Regular price: $15)

👀 Registration is required — fill out the Google Form to secure your spot and choose your session.

🗓 February 7, 2026
Session 1: 12pm–2pm
Session 2: 3pm–5pm

📍 11715 Rainwood Rd Suite B5, Little Rock, AR 72211

💛 All ages welcome
💚 Parents welcome
💙 All supplies + refreshments included

Spots WILL go fast — go ahead and grab that early bird ticket before they disappear. Let’s paint, laugh, and create memories together! 🎨✨

🔗 Register here:
https://forms.gle/h5WYEzRgjQ8u2Scb9

10/09/2025

Free Entry!
Haunted House

10/08/2025