Baylor Center for Developmental Disabilities Champions Awareness and Education at 2025 Texas State Capitol Day
The Baylor Center for Developmental Disabilities participated in the 2025 Texas State Capitol Day on April 4, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to fostering inclusion and positively transforming the lives of people with disabilities and their families. This powerful day of civic engagement brought together fellows from three major interdisciplinary training programs—ACT LEND (Autism Consortium of Texas), LoneStar LEND (Houston), and Help Me Grow (El Paso)—for a collaborative and impactful experience at the Texas State Capitol.
As a central partner in ACT LEND, the Center played an integral role in this cross-regional initiative, which connected trainees, professionals, self-advocates, and family members dedicated to improving care systems for disabled populations. Representing Baylor University, our own Center Director and Clinical Associate Professor, Dr. Kristen Padilla, helped lead the Center’s involvement in the $2.3 million federally funded ACT LEND grant. This initiative is supported by the U.S. Health Resources & Services Administration and aims to strengthen interdisciplinary leadership, increase access to services, and promote health equity across Texas.
Capitol Day provided a dynamic, real-world learning opportunity for fellows, beginning with a compelling session titled “Making an Impact at the State Level” by public policy expert Lauren Gerken. Participants then engaged in meaningful conversations emphasizing the importance of considering the lived experiences of the disability community and the real-world implications of pending legislation.
The Waco presence was strong and speakers such as Ashley Bean Thorton, public education community advocate, emphasized inclusive, community-rooted advocacy. Expanding the conversation to the federal policy arena Waco Family Medicine CEO, Jackson Griggs, M.D. and former Congressman, The Honorable Chet Edwards offered remarks. The day culminated in a self-guided Capitol tour, allowing attendees to reflect on the larger aspiration for equitable systems change.
The goals of ACT LEND reflect the Center’s broader mission: to faithfully equip the next generation of leaders through interdisciplinary training, advance evidence-based best practices, and ensure that individuals with disabilities and their families are not only included—but centered—in conversations that shape their lives.
"Capitol Day is more than a training experience,” said Dr. Padilla. “It’s a demonstration of what is possible when lived experience, professional expertise, and policy education intersect. It’s a vital part of how we build a more inclusive Texas."
The Baylor Center for Developmental Disabilities continues to offer ACT LEND training opportunities annually, welcoming graduate students, professionals, self-advocates, and family members into its interdisciplinary community. For more information or to apply, visit the Texas Center for Disability Studies or contact Dr. Kristen Padilla at Kristen_Padilla@baylor.edu.