About the Guest(s):

Erik Carter serves as Executive Director of the Baylor Center for Developmental Disabilities, which aims to promote the thriving of people with disabilities and their families. He joined the Baylor faculty in 2023. His research and writing focus on principle-driven and research-based strategies for promoting full participation, relationships, and valued roles for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

One strand of his research addresses the intersections of faith and disability. Dr. Carter’s work in this area addresses the spiritual lives and flourishing of people with IDD and their families, the practices and postures of inclusive churches, and faith-based partnerships with disability service systems. A second strand explores the pathways to inclusion and belonging for individuals with IDD. He is particularly interested in capturing the reciprocal and lasting benefits that come through friendships and life lived together in community.

Episode Summary:

In this episode of the Think Inclusive podcast, Tim Villegas welcomes Erik Carter, the esteemed Executive Director of the Baylor Center for Developmental Disabilities, to discuss the intricate topics of disability, inclusion, and belonging. Erik shares updates on his current work at Baylor and the initiatives he is spearheading to promote flourishing within communities, schools, and faith congregations. Erik's transition from Vanderbilt to Baylor signifies his broader focus on community-wide inclusion and ensuring every individual's sense of belonging and purpose.

Erik delves into the concept of "flourishing" versus "thriving," defining flourishing as living rich, full, and abundant lives with strong relationships, community connections, and a sense of purpose. In a thought-provoking discussion, Erik outlines ten dimensions of belonging that extend beyond mere inclusion to emphasize the importance of being invited, welcomed, known, accepted, and loved. The conversation highlights the practical, everyday actions that can foster these dimensions of belonging in both educational and faith-based settings, encouraging listeners to re-evaluate and improve their approaches to inclusion and community building.

Transcript: https://otter.ai/u/CfJq-Oo4E_1D2ljznGNv0hNFOxQ

Key Takeaways:

• Erik Carter's move from Vanderbilt to Baylor emphasizes a broader community focus on inclusion and belonging.
• The concept of "flourishing" involves more than just good outcomes; it incorporates strong relationships, purpose, and community connections.
• Erik outlines ten dimensions of belonging: being present, invited, welcomed, known, accepted, supported, heard, befriended, needed, and loved.
• Belonging extends beyond schools to faith communities, where inclusion must be reimagined to prevent the deep wounding caused by exclusion.
• Practical steps to foster belonging include noticing who is excluded, reflecting on intentional actions, and transforming both educational and faith institutions to be more inclusive.

Resources:

Baylor Center for Developmental Disabilities: https://bcdd.soe.baylor.edu/

10 Dimensions of Belonging: https://promotingprogress.org/sites/default/files/2022-02/Fostering_Belonging_Handout.pdf

Thank you to our sponsor, IXL! Learn more: https://ixl.com/inclusive

MCIE: mcie.org

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