As we look back on the spring semester, we are filled with gratitude for all of its opportunities and gifts. It has been a season of celebration, change, and growth—both for our Center and the community we care so deeply about. From welcoming new team members and celebrating milestones, to expanding our research and deepening our collaborations, the momentum we have experienced together is both energizing and exciting.
We hope that summer will be a season of rest and reflection for our team and for all of you, as well as a time to consider new opportunities and directions. We invite you to stay connected with us in the months ahead. With groundbreaking new initiatives on the horizon, we will be sharing new ways for you to get involved and introducing special events that we hope you will attend. Whether you are a parent, educator, student, faith leader, or advocate—your engagement and support remain essential to our mission. Thank you for being part of our community. Here is to a summer filled with enjoyment, connection, and new discoveries!
-Erik Carter & Kristen Padilla
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Last month, we welcomed Sam Davidson to our team! Sam joins us as Senior Research Associate with the Baylor Collaborative on Faith and Disability. A theologian by training, he brings a rich background in theology, disability, ecology, and psychology—along with teaching and research experience from Princeton, Edinburgh, and Baylor.
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Congratulations to Dr. Emily Frake for her recent co-authored article published in the Journal of Special Education Preparation entitled, "Empowering Our Future: Integrating Advocacy into Special Education Coursework." It explores how disability advocacy can be embedded into undergraduate coursework and offers actionable steps for improving teacher preparation programs.
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Melody Escobar was recently featured on the Careful Thinking podcast, hosted by Dr. Martin Robb from The Open University. The episode weaves together themes of theology, caregiving, and disability justice, while inviting listeners to consider how caregiving can foster mutual flourishing and deeper human connection.
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Erik Carter will give a keynote presentation on fostering belonging in schools at the Widening the Circle Summer Conference in Waco on June 11-12. Hosted by Inclusion Solutions, the event is for educators and school leaders who are interested in accelerating school inclusion and support for diverse learners. Discounted registration is available.
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In May, we hosted the second annual Appreciating Special Educators Reception at the Mark & Paula Hurd Welcome Center. The event honored 44 exceptional special education professionals from ten area school districts, each nominated by their school administrators for their outstanding dedication to supporting diverse learners. Guests heard an interview with Angelo Garcia, a graduate of Midway ISD’s M Power program, who shared how special educators helped shape his life and success. The evening was a heartfelt celebration of collaboration, gratitude, and the meaningful impact of educators committed to inclusion. Read more.
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We were honored to lead presentations and offer mainstage talks at the 2025 Disability and the Church Conference in Washington last month. Hosted by Key Ministry, the national conference convenes annually to inspire and equip pastors, ministry leaders, advocates, parents, caregivers, and people with disabilities working to build more faithful and accessible church communities. Read more about our involvement.
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We host a monthly support group for Spanish-speaking parents who have a child with a disability. To honor and celebrate our families, we hosted a Cinco-de-Mayo-themed event for families that included activities, games, food, beverages, and a resource fair at South Waco Community Center. We are grateful for the meaningful connections made over the last year and look forward to future collaboration.
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We are seeking volunteers to support a two-day summer camp for youth with disabilities at Baylor on July 25-26. This is a great opportunity to make a positive impact while gaining hands-on experience in a fun and supportive environment. Volunteers will assist with various activities, help during mealtimes, participate in recreational activities, and provide encouragement. Whether you are studying education, healthcare, social work—or simply enjoy working with young people—your presence can make a lasting difference. To sign up or learn more, contact Katie Laubender at katie_laubender@baylor.edu.
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Kenny Davis, a local artist with autism, donated his extraordinary artwork to the Center clinic in honor of graduate student, Kayla Trites. Their work together over the last two years helped him gain confidence and secure a higher-paying job. We are grateful to Kenny for sharing his talents and to Kayla for the indelible difference she made. Read more about Kenny's donation.
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As the only disability-focused research center at a Christian university, 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 collaboration, prayer, and support help 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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Together, let’s build a world where people of all abilities can flourish.
Give. Pray. Share.
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Stay connected with the Baylor Center for Developmental Disabilities
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