We hope your summer was both restful and meaningful. As a new school year begins, we are energized to advance research, training, and partnerships that contribute to the flourishing of people with disabilities and their families. Thank you for being part of this mission to bridge scholarship and practice in ways that truly make a difference. We are grateful for your partnership and look forward to a year of discovery, collaboration, and belonging.
-Erik Carter & Kristen Padilla
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Join our team! We are seeking a Program Manager to lead and coordinate the implementation of our new Raising Texas Voices program. The purpose of this two-year research project is to study how different generations of Texans with developmental disabilities and their families (a) view disability and their experiences, (b) engage in advocacy, and (c) prefer to learn how to advocate effectively. Learn more and apply here.
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Congratulations to Center student fellows Ivana Lozano, Ellen Grimes, Allison Eisenhut, Cameron Blaeis, and Scarlett Mitchell for earning the Top Student Poster Award at the American Psychological Association’s annual convention in Denver. Their work with the ASD4ASD research team focused on testing accommodations for autistic learners. Their findings shed light on how schools can better support students by ensuring accommodations are individualized, effective, and equitable.
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Center Director Kristen Padilla and Faculty Affiliate Megan Flores joined Baylor students at ACT LEND orientation at UT-Austin—a federally funded leadership program preparing future leaders to advance the health and well-being of children and youth with developmental disabilities and their families. Kristen serves as the Leadership Training Director and Baylor Site Coordinator.
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Our Bridges to Belonging church cohort gathered at Truett Seminary for a day of sensory-friendly worship, presentations from Drs. Lamar Hardwick and Terisha Lee, storytelling and reflection, and an inspiring workshop with Dr. Wesley Ellis—leaving everyone encouraged, connected, and equipped to foster belonging for youth and young adults with disabilities.
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We are excited to host the Oso Able - Flourishing Futures: Navigating Transition Together conference designed to support young people with disabilities as they transition into adulthood. Oso Able brings together educators, families, healthcare providers, service agencies, and community leaders to explore how collaborative networks can transform the transition process. Registration is open now through October 10.
- Join us on September 23 in MMSCI GL51 or September 24 in MMSCI 176 from 3:30-5 p.m. for our monthly consortium meetings. Baylor faculty are invited to gather with colleagues from across campus who are passionate about research, teaching, and service that impact the lives of individuals with disabilities and their families.
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We invite students to join us at the Hurd Welcome Center for Imago Dei, a weekly Bible study and social gathering time for adults with and without intellectual disabilities. Stop by Wednesdays from 6:30-8:00 p.m. throughout the semester!
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The Center will participate in the Baylor Homecoming parade again this year with a new theme and decorated float. We will also be sponsoring a sensory room at the Hurd Welcome Center to offer breaks from the festivities during the event. We look forward to seeing you there!
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Last month, we welcomed René Tilsley to our team! René joins us as Program Director of Special and Inclusive Education, where she supports schools and districts in the adoption and implementation of multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS), inclusive practices, and evidence-based special education services. René also works to support families, students, and educators of English language learners with disabilities.
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The Center’s Collaborative on Faith and Disability co-hosted the Worship As One Summit alongside With Ministries in Dallas last month. This summit brought together pastors, worship leaders, and disability ministry champions to reimagine what it looks like when everyone is welcomed into worship. Through keynote sessions, breakout workshops, and shared worship, we explored practical ways to cultivate more accessible faith communities.
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We are excited to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with a special event for Spanish-speaking families of children with disabilities. This gathering will honor culture, community, and family, while providing resources to help children thrive. The timing is especially meaningful with the start of a new school year to offer support as children and families navigate new classrooms and curriculum. The event will take place from 5:30-7:00 p.m. on September 25 at the South Waco Recreation Center. Register here.
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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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Are you a parent or caregiver of a child with autism? Family CARE equips parents and caregivers with practical, evidence-based strategies they can use in everyday routines. Through small group sessions or one-on-one coaching, families gain tools and support from therapists to help their children achieve meaningful goals. Register for the following September parent training sessions: Waco – Sept. 8 & 10 (5:30–7:00 PM), Temple – Sept. 13 (9:00 AM–12:00 PM), and Abilene – Sept. 20 (1:00–4:00 PM).
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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 impacted 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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Together, let’s build a world where people of all abilities can flourish.
Give. Pray. Share.
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