Creating Communities of Inclusion and Belonging for Youth with Disabilities

Zoom | November 2 | 12 - 1:30 pm Eastern

Many faith communities still struggle to welcome and weave youth with disabilities into the ministries and relationships that make up the life of their congregation. Yet we are called to be communities without asterisks. Dr. Carter will share a powerful framework for reflecting upon and fostering belonging within youth and other congregational ministries. Together, we will explore the implications of this work on the ways we support youth with disabilities and on the ways we spur our own churches to be more inclusive and welcoming.

Dr. Erik Carter, Ph.D., is Cornelius Vanderbilt Professor of Special Education at Vanderbilt University. His passion is helping schools, churches, and other communities become places of membership and belonging for youth with developmental disabilities and their families. As co-director of the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, he is invested in research that breaks down barriers to inclusion and equips communities to widen their welcome. He has published widely in the areas of educational services and congregational ministry for children and youth with disabilities, including more than 275 articles and chapters as well as 7 books. Learn more about his work at www.erikwcarter.com