The Baylor Center for Developmental Disabilities aims to foster interdisciplinary scholarship through the organization of Special Interest Groups (SIGs). SIGs are made up of individuals that have common topical interest revolved around disability that promotes interdisciplinary collaborative work. SIGs allow members to convene to address specialized issues related to disability, such as inclusive private education, employment, special education, and belonging.

The function of SIGs are to:

• Meet regularly to discuss areas of scholarship interest

• Collaborate on scholarly activities (e.g., presentations, research, grant proposals)

• Advance research in the special topic

• Disseminate knowledge and resources

SIGs are open to anyone at Baylor University interested in collaborating on research, training, and service. SIG meetings can be organized by any designated group member. Members can collectively determine meeting agendas facilitated and led by the SIG Chair (e.g., point person).

Interested in creating your own SIG? Fill out this form and email it to Kristen Padilla.

Active SIGs

Faith & Disability

Purpose: To serve as a hub for scholars interested in work at the intersection of faith and disability. We are particularly interested in fostering new lines of interdisciplinary research.

Current Project Examples:

• Qualitative studies on youth/young adults with disabilities
• Quantitative studies on church leaders and their preparation for fostering disability inclusion in congregations
• Analysis of church website accessibility

Participation Benefits: 

• Collaboration on new project conception
• Sharing methodological expertise
• Partnership in grant applications
• Awareness of emerging questions in the field
• Shared support and guidance on interdisciplinary research on faith and disability
• Potential assistance with practical resource development

Contact Rev. Dr. Jason Le Shana, for more information or to express interest.

Transition to Adulthood

Purpose of Transition: To bridge the gap from school to post-school life. Transition is a set of activities designed to support students with disabilities in successfully transitioning from school to adult life, essentially to their post-secondary life. IDEA requires Transition Planning to begin at the age of 16; state of Texas is 14 years old. What is Post-Secondary Life? It includes higher education opportunities, employment, independent living, and healthcare.

Current Projects:

• Flourishing Futures: Health and Human Services (HHS) Grant
• Friendship Research Project
• Transition Assessment Clinic
• Baylor CARE – ABA Transition Skills Program
• Equipping Educators Workshop Series: Transition to Adulthood
• Caregivers as Change Agents Workshops
• Transition-aged Youth Skill Development Workshops
• OsoAble Transition to Adulthood - This full-day event is tailored for adolescents and young adults aged 13-30 with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), their parents and caregivers, educators, service providers, like TWC, healthcare professionals, and others.
• The HUDDLE - A monthly young adult social group for young adults with and without IDD.

Contact Dr. Deidre Gilley for more information or to express interest.

Clinical Directions

Existing therapeutic and assessment services:

• Counseling
• ABA therapy
• Psychological Assessment

New developments:

• Waco Family Medicine collaboration
• Occupational therapy capstone projects 
• Occupational therapy residency rotation

Interdisciplinary training and practice in:

• Clinical Work: interdisciplinary assessment
• Community Collaborations: consortium and training sites
• Scholarship: field-based/training focus, professional development

Contact Dr. Kelsey Ragan for more information or to express interest.

Education

Purpose: To connect faculty and postdocs interested in topics that impact individuals with disabilities in education. The Education SIG addresses work related to educator training, positive behavior supports in school settings, supporting English learners, transition assessment and planning, and much more. Contact Dr. Sarah Mire for more information or to express interest.

Families

Purpose: To provide resources and supports for parents, siblings, and other caregivers for their lifelong journey as family members. Families SIG has expanded clinical services and research projects focused on early identification, assessment, intervention, and transition to adulthood. Some of the faculty have also developed practical resources and training opportunities to address the pressing needs of diverse families throughout our community in Waco and beyond. Contact Dr. Gospel Kim. for more information or to express interest.

Inclusive Christian Schooling

More information to come! Contact Dr. Melody Escobar or Dr. Erik Carter for more information or to express interest.

STEM and Disability

More information to come! Contact Dr. Bree Jimenez or Dr. Tracey Sulak for more information or to express interest.