Kara Whittaker

Kara Whittaker is a PhD student at Baylor University’s Diana R. Garland School of Social Work, a research fellow at the Center for Church and Community Impact (C3I), and a graduate research assistant with the Collaborative on Faith and Disability. She has a bachelor’s degree in religious studies and a master’s degree in social work, both from the University of Chicago. As a licensed social worker and former special education teacher, Kara’s professional work has centered on partnering with and advocating for people with disabilities and their families. She has extensive experience in disability ministry, where she has equipped churches for more inclusive practice, and has published numerous accessible Christian resources for children and youth with disabilities. Her research focuses on faith and disability, disability theology, the relationship between beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors, and the experiences of nonspeaking autistic people and their families. She lives in Longview, Texas with her husband and three sons, the oldest of whom has nonspeaking autism.