Baylor Center for Disability and Flourishing Honored at National Down Syndrome Congress Annual Fundraiser

The Baylor Center for Disability and Flourishing was recognized as an honoree at the 2026 National Down Syndrome Congress (NDSC) Big Game Ball on Sept. 2 in Atlanta. The annual fundraiser celebrates individuals and organizations advancing opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

Held at the iconic College Football Hall of Fame, the event brought together self-advocates, families, university leaders and community partners from across the country. Funds raised through the Big Game Ball provide scholarships to help young adults with Down syndrome and IDD attend college and participate in inclusive postsecondary education.

Erik Carter, who serves as executive director of the Baylor Center for Disability and Flourishing and the Luther Sweet Endowed Chair in Disabilities, accepted the recognition and offered remarks on behalf of the Center and Baylor University.

Advancing disability and flourishing

Housed within Baylor’s Moody School of Education, the Baylor Center for Disability and Flourishing promotes the flourishing of people with disabilities, their families, and communities by connecting rigorous research with real-world impact.

Its work spans education, transition to adulthood, faith communities, families, and interdisciplinary collaboration, bringing together researchers, practitioners, people with disabilities and community partners to develop resources, best practices and expand opportunities.

“At Baylor, we’re striving to become a leading voice in the area of disability and flourishing through rigorous research, relevant training and compelling partnerships with organizations like the NDSC,” Carter said. “Our communities are incomplete when people with disabilities aren’t present and their leadership, gifts and friendships are not embraced.”

Building a vision for inclusive postsecondary education at Baylor

The Big Game Ball offered an opportunity to learn from universities and organizations championing inclusive postsecondary education (IPSE) programs that create opportunities for students with intellectual disabilities to experience college through academics, career preparation, independent living, campus activities and meaningful relationships with peers.

As the Center works toward building an inclusive postsecondary education program of its own, the effort reflects Baylor’s Christian mission and commitment to transformational education by considering how the relationships, learning and experiences that define college life might be extended to a broader community of learners.

For Baylor, the vision is about creating a university community in which students with and without disabilities learn, contribute and build relationships alongside one another. Carter described a future at Baylor in which students with disabilities would be valued as members of a “community that sees itself as better because every part is there.”

The recognition from the National Down Syndrome Congress comes as Baylor works to turn that vision into reality and reflects both the work already underway and the possibilities ahead as the Center brings together its strengths in research, education and community engagement to expand belonging and opportunity for people with disabilities.

“We are grateful for this honor and thank you for cheering us on as we imagine and build belonging together at Baylor,” Carter said.

ABOUT THE NATIONAL DOWN SYNDROME CONGRESS

The National Down Syndrome Congress (NDSC) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to an improved world for individuals with Down syndrome. Founded in 1973, they are the leading national resource of support and information for anyone touched by or seeking to learn about Down syndrome, from the moment of diagnosis, whether prenatal or at birth, through adulthood. The NDSC Big Game Ball exists to celebrate champions who are providing intentional resources and opportunities for people with Down syndrome and other intellectual disabilities.

ABOUT THE BAYLOR CENTER FOR DISABILITY AND FLOURISHING 

The Baylor Center for Disability and Flourishing is a nationally recognized leader in disability research. Housed within Baylor University’s Moody School of Education, the Center connects rigorous research with real-world impact to promote the flourishing of people with disabilities, their families and communities. Through interdisciplinary scholarship, clinical services, and community outreach, the Center equips schools, congregations, workplaces, and organizations with tools and resources to foster accessibility, inclusion and mutual flourishing.