Amy Julia Becker Leads Conversations on Disability, Family, and Faith at Baylor

The Center's Collaborative on Faith and Disability welcomed acclaimed author and speaker Amy Julia Becker for two events that drew participants from across the country. Over two days, Becker guided parents, caregivers, self-advocates, ministry leaders, and church members in conversations that reimagined both family life and church life with disability.

On Wednesday, September 17, attendees gathered for a three-hour interactive workshop entitled Reimagining Family Life with Disability. Becker invited families to embrace every person’s inherent value and to envision hopeful futures marked by joy, connection, and practical steps forward.

Family and caregivers of children with disabilities explored new ways to celebrate each member, strengthen supportive networks, and chart next steps for thriving. Although tailored to families, the event’s message of belonging resonated with all who attended.

“Amy Julia Becker provided a much-needed reminder to seek joy and delight in my son with autism, not only in the easy moments but also in the hard ones,” said a parent who attended the event. 

The following day, Thursday, September 18, Becker shifted the focus to the faith community during Reimagining Church Life with Disability. This session engaged pastors, ministry leaders, and church members in dialogue around cultivating authentic belonging for people with disabilities within congregations.

Becker underscored that when churches fully welcome and include people with disabilities, entire congregations are enriched. Attendees left with fresh insights and practical tools for reshaping church communities into places of hospitality, access, and flourishing.

Both events were marked by lively discussion, practical encouragement, and a shared commitment to creating communities where everyone belongs. 

“These conversations remind us that families and faith communities are strongest when every member is embraced and empowered to contribute,” said Jason Le Shana, program director of the Center’s Collaborative on Faith and Disability.

Click here to learn more about the Center’s Collaborative on Faith and Disability.