Baylor Center for Disability and Flourishing

🎉 Shoutout to Kristen Padilla and Dalila Ochoa!

Yadira Bruhn of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas recently presented a certificate of appreciation recognizing the Center’s efforts to support families and strengthen our community.

Through their deep involvement across Waco and surrounding areas, Kristen and Dalila help connect families to resources, foster partnerships, and create opportunities that make a lasting impact.

Thank you, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas, for this meaningful recognition and for your continued partnership!

📚 Congratulations to Center Director Kristen Padilla and esteemed faculty affiliate Grant Morgan on the release of their new book, Assessment and Measurement in Applied Behavior Analysis!

Published by Guilford Press, the book is already receiving national attention and was recently featured on the cover of Guilford’s Spring 2026 Research Methods Catalog, distributed to thousands of researchers, professors, and librarians across the country.

We are proud to celebrate the scholarship and expertise Kristen and Grant bring to the field of ABA and to the Center’s mission of advancing research that positively impacts the lives of people with disabilities and their families.

Learn more here: https://www.guilford.com/books/Assessment-and-Measurement-in-Applied-Behavior-Analysis/Padilla-Morgan/9781462563203

Erik Carter and Jason Le Shana had the opportunity to visit with Joni Eareckson Tada of Joni and Friends. During their time together, Joni graciously gifted the Center a signed print of her artwork, which we look forward to displaying in our space!

We are grateful for the opportunity to connect with a leader whose influence has helped shape conversations around disability and faith for decades and whose work continues to encourage communities to embrace the gifts and contributions of every person.

Real stories lead to meaningful change. Learn how Raising Texas Voices is amplifying disability voices across Texas by visiting our website.

To learn more about our research project, visit: raisingtexasvoices.org

🎨 Calling All Artists with Disabilities! 🎨

There’s still time to submit your work for the Disability in the Arts Celebration hosted in partnership with Art Center Waco and the Waco Committee for People with Disabilities.

We invite artists with disabilities of all ages and experience levels to share their creativity through any medium—painting, drawing, photography, sculpture, digital art, fiber arts, mixed media, and more.

This celebration is an opportunity to showcase your talents, share your perspective, and help our community recognize the important contributions of artists with disabilities.

📅 Submission deadline: June 20
🎨 All media types welcome

Know an artist who should apply? Tag them below or share this post!

Register here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeyCW7Mq34y4iWM3WrxKwslWV7BS9wSWofOTpdr4btsZxcxeA/viewform

We’re excited to share that Jason Le Shana, who serves as program director for our Collaborative on Faith and Disability, was featured in the June issue of the Christian Century along with disability ministry leader, Bill Gaventa.

Their interview highlights the importance of multisensory worship and embodied belonging within the church.

Drawing from their collaborative resource, Worship for the Whole Body, the conversation highlights how worship practices that involve movement, touch, sound, visuals, and participation can deepen belonging for people with and without disabilities alike.

Read the story here:https://disability.research.baylor.edu/sites/g/files/ecbvkj1796/files/2026-05/Christian%20Century%20Interview%20-%202026-06.pdf

Access their resource here:https://disability.research.baylor.edu/sites/g/files/ecbvkj1796/files/2025-07/worship_for_the_whole_body_final_interactive80_0.pdf

Are you a Spanish-speaking parent or caregiver of a child with a disability? We invite you to join our monthly parent support group for an evening of connection, learning, and community.

This month, families will learn about supporting students who are dually identified.

This is a resource designed to help parents understand:
✅ How children are identified as Emergent Bilingual (EB) students
✅ How students may also qualify for Special Education services and supports
✅ The educational services available to their child
✅ Ways families can actively participate in decisions that support student success

🍽️ Dinner provided
👧 Childcare available
🗣️ All discussions will be conducted in Spanish

📅 June 24, 2026
⏰ 5:30–7:00 p.m.
📍 South Waco Recreation Center
2815 Speight Ave., Waco, TX 76711

Register here: https://baylor.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6Gwm7HfqlStd822?Q_CHL=qr

There is still time to sign up for the Inclusive Summer Camp at Art Center Waco! We are excited to welcome students entering 3rd–6th grade to join us for a fun, creative, and inclusive camp experience!

Campers of all abilities will explore art, build friendships, and express themselves in a supportive environment where everyone belongs. We have expanded camp eligibility to include students going into 3rd grade!

We also believe art is for everyone and that every child should have access to creative opportunities. Scholarships are available upon request. To request a scholarship, please email [email protected].

We can’t wait to create with you this summer! 🎨💛

Our own Katie Laubender appeared on the Ann Harder Show last week to talk about an upcoming Inclusive Art Camp and Disability in the Arts Celebration at Art Center Waco in collaboration with Waco Committee for People with Disabilities!

In the conversation, Katie highlights the importance of creating spaces where people with and without disabilities can explore creativity, build community, and experience belonging through the arts.

We are currently recruiting artists to participate in the Disability in the Arts Celebration and are also welcoming participants for the Inclusive Art Camp this summer!

Check out the episode here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6WunZoqmkVM

🎨 Register as an art exhibitor for the Disability in the Arts Celebration here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeyCW7Mq34y4iWM3WrxKwslWV7BS9wSWofOTpdr4btsZxcxeA/viewform

Questions? Email [email protected]