As November arrives, we are thankful for the many ways our community continues to live out belonging and flourishing together. Every day, we witness stories of connection and hope. Families finding support, churches growing in accessibility, educators and students leading with compassion, and partners working to make inclusion a reality in every setting.
This month’s newsletter highlights so many examples of that shared mission in motion. From recognition of our students and affiliates for their outstanding scholarship, to new partnerships strengthening communities, and stories that remind us why this work matters. Across research, education, faith, and family life, we see the power of collaboration to transform futures through meaningful relationships.
As we move toward the close of the year, we thank you for moving alongside us—through your presence, prayers, and partnership. Together, we are building a world where every person is known, needed, and loved.
With gratitude,
Erik Carter and Kristen Padilla
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Congratulations to Dr. Sarah Mire, faculty affiliate, who received the Dr. Ollie Seay Knowledge Award for Excellence in Research from the Texas chapter of the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD). This honor recognizes her outstanding scholarship and commitment to individuals and families across Texas.
- Congratulations to Dr. Tracey R. Jones, recipient of the 2025 Texas Association for Bilingual Education (TABE) Award, for her outstanding advocacy with Spanish-speaking families and her leadership in advancing community engagement across Central Texas.
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Student Fellow Renming Liu received the 2025 John Umbreit Doctoral Research Award from the Division for Emotional and Behavioral Health of the Council for Exceptional Children for outstanding doctoral research in applied behavioral practice.
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Elyse McMullen and Dr. Erik Carter presented at Conclave NextGen, a two-day conference that provides encouragement, networking, training, and resources to ministry leaders throughout Texas. Their session featured lessons learned from the Bridges to Belonging project, which involves equipping churches to pursue and embrace young people (aged 13-25) with disabilities, mental health challenges, and chronic illnesses.
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More than 200 educators, families, self-advocates, and community partners gathered at Baylor University in October for Oso Able: Flourishing Futures – Navigating Transitions Together. The conference focused on preparing young adults with disabilities for college, employment, and independent living and featured keynote speaker Dr. Brenda Barrio and a panel of self-advocates. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all sponsors who helped make this day of collaboration and connection possible.
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Our Flourishing Futures project is partnering with UMHB Occupational Therapy and Friends for Life to host a community conversation on employment for individuals with disabilities. This gathering will bring together community members, employers, educators, service providers, and individuals with disabilities to discuss opportunities, challenges, and ideas for creating more inclusive and supportive workplaces in Bell County. The event will take place on Wednesday, November 12 from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Lord Conference Center in Belton. Dinner will be provided. Register here.
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Join us for Safety Starts at Home, a hands-on workshop for parents, youth, and young adults focused on creating safer home environments. Families will work together to identify household dangers and develop personalized Home Safety Plans. Parents will learn strategies for teaching safe behaviors, while youth and young adults explore how to recognize emergencies and when to call 911. The event will take place on Tuesday, November 18, from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Mark & Paula Hurd Welcome Center. Dinner will be provided. Parents are encouraged to attend with their children, though attendance without them is also welcome. Register here.
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We will host our monthly support group for Spanish-speaking families on December 4, from 5:30-7 p.m. at South Waco Recreation Center 2815 Speight Avenue. This session will focus on the Individualized Education Program (IEP) and Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) processes. Participants will learn key terminology, gain a better understanding of how IEPs and ARDs work, and receive a checklist to help navigate the process with confidence. The entire session will be conducted in Spanish.
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Join us for A Special Starry Night on December 6 at the Mark & Paula Hurd Welcome Center! Enjoy a festive evening of dinner, dancing, and holiday cheer complete with Santa visits, raffles, and a sensory room. A cherished annual tradition, we are hosting this family-friendly event in partnership with The Arc of McLennan County and the Heart of Texas Autism Network. Register here.
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- Dalila Ochoa and Tracey R. Jones shared about the Center's programs for Spanish-speaking families during live interviews on KWOW-FM La Ley 104.1 and KWBT-FM La Grande 94.5. They highlighted the Center’s monthly Spanish-speaking family support group, research-based resources, and community events that create spaces where families feel seen, supported, and connected.
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The Baptist Standard featured our study, Belonging Under the Bridge: Insights from the Disability Community on Belonging and the Church, led by Dr. Melody Escobar. This research explores what it means to truly belong within faith communities—especially for individuals and families impacted by disability. When churches move beyond inclusion to embrace belonging, every member flourishes.
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Center Executive Director, Dr. Erik Carter joined Amy Julia Becker on her Disability & Belonging podcast for an episode titled “We Aren’t Us Without You.” Together, they explored what it truly means to be known, needed, and loved within our communities—and how belonging begins with relationships of mutual care and connection.
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We love seeing the fruits of interdisciplinary scholarship come to life in our community! Baylor Occupational Therapy Department alumna Ashley Westover partnered with our Collaborative on Faith and Disability to explore how churches can become more accessible and welcoming to people with disabilities. Today, Ashley continues that mission as both a pediatric occupational therapist and children’s ministry leader—bridging faith and practice to help every person belong and thrive.
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Last month, the Center collaborated with the Cameron Park Zoo on an inclusion training for staff at focused on creating a more welcoming experience for visitors with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The session was led by doctoral students from Baylor’s occupational therapy program, who are completing their capstone projects in partnership with the Center and the Zoo. Together, this collaboration is helping ensure that everyone can explore, learn, and thrive at Cameron Park Zoo.
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How can congregations become places where youth and young adults with disabilities, mental health conditions, or chronic illnesses truly belong? The Bridges to Belonging Insights Series explores this question through the wisdom of 22 theologians, ministry leaders, practitioners, and individuals with lived experience. Each issue highlights key reflections and practical ideas for fostering accessible, inclusive faith communities. Together, these insights invite churches to imagine and embody communities where every person can participate, contribute, and flourish.
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Baylor STEPS Program (Supporting Transition and Empowering Post-Secondary Success) is currently recruiting youth and young adults, ages 13-21 years old, with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). The program administers high-quality, holistic assessments, develops individualized planning, and offers thorough collaboration with clients, families, and educators. Baylor STEPS aims to provide personalized, actionable recommendations that support postsecondary success for youth and young adults with IDD across working, learning, and living environments. For more information, please contact BU_transition@baylor.edu.
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The RUBI Parent Training Program is a nine-week virtual course in Spanish for caregivers of children with autism. It gives parents practical strategies to reduce challenging behaviors and build positive routines at home. Families learn how to use rewards, set up daily schedules, and respond to their child in ways that make life less stressful and more joyful.
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Family CARE is hosting a November training in Killeen on 11/8 at Cornerstone Baptist Church from 9AM–12PM. Families who complete the training will receive a $40 Amazon gift card. To date, Family CARE has reached 148 caregivers and 156 children across Texas, continuing to share evidence-based tools that help families build routines, confidence, and connection—one community at a time.
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We are faithfully working to serve our community well and wisely. We need your support and partnership to promote the flourishing of people affected by disabilities.
We invite you to consider making a gift to advance this important work.
Your support helps us:
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- Conduct groundbreaking research to develop best practices.
- Expand community clinics and provide accessible resources.
- Facilitate research and training for schools, congregations, and workplaces.
- Ensure every person with a disability can thrive in the ways that matter most.
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One Bear Place #97024 | Waco, TX 76798 US
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