Erik W. Carter, PhD, FAIDD

Dr. Erik Carter is the Luther Sweet Endowed Chair in Disabilities and Executive Director of the Baylor Center for Disability and Flourishing. His research and writing focus on principle-driven, research-based strategies for promoting relationships and valued roles for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). 

One strand of Dr. Carter’s research addresses the intersections of faith and disability. His work in this area addresses the spiritual lives and flourishing of people with disabilities and their families, the practices and postures of inclusive churches, and faith-based partnerships with disability service systems. A second strand explores the pathways to inclusion and belonging for individuals with IDD. He is particularly interested in capturing the reciprocal and lasting benefits that come through friendships and life lived together in community. His recent TEDx talk introduces a framework for belonging that is used internationally to guide the work of schools and communities.

Dr. Carter is committed to ensuring that the best of what we know works is what permeates the everyday practices of schools and communities. He has co-authored seven books and more than 350 journal articles, chapters, and other publications. His scholarship and leadership have also been recognized with awards from All Belong, the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, the Association of University Centers on Disabilities, the Council for Exceptional Children, and Key Ministry.

He mentors graduate students on a range of projects addressing the areas of religion and disability, belonging, and research methods. 

Read more about Dr. Carter and his collaborations in these news stories:

• When Everyone Belongs, Baylor Magazine, Spring 2026
• Baylor Receives $5M Lilly Endowment Grant for Storytelling Initiative
• Interdisciplinary Researchers Receive $4.71 Million Grant for Longitudinal Study on Parents’ Patience in Adversity
• Lilly Endowment Grant Establishes Interdisciplinary Project for Churches to Embrace Young People with Disabilities and Other Challenges
• A Wider Welcome: Endowed Chair in School of Education Promises Expansion of Disability Research and Community Impact