Communicating disabilities research in plain language through brand-new Vanderbilt Kennedy Center (T

Related Objective(s)

"The Promise of Discovery" is a new podcast hosted by the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center (TN IDDRC, UCEDD, LEND) that highlights research in intellectual and developmental disabilities in plain language, making it accessible to the general public. The podcast launched May 8, with the premiere of the first three episodes. The goals of the podcast are to host conversations about research in plain language and to highlight "real world" implications. The discussions cover why the research matters in the lives of people with disabilities and families, how the research impacts and enhances what we know already and/or raises additional questions in the field, and what implications the research might have for policy. "We are excited to build upon the communication activities of the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center and to bring our research to a broader audience," said VKC director Jeffrey Neul, M.D., Ph.D. "As researchers, we feel a responsibility to reach beyond academia, our peers, and our science journals and to make our work accessible in a way that will increase its impact. As scientists, we need to be able to explain in plain language what we are doing and why it matters. This podcast is an excellent way to raise awareness and understanding of disabilities research." Each episode runs around 20-30 minutes and features a VKC researcher or group of researchers, who are interviewed by an individual who has a connection to the work being discussed. This might be a research assistant, student, research participant, parent, or self-advocate.

The podcast is accessible through the VKC Podcast page, Soundcloud, Apple Podcasts, and Google Podcasts