Baylor School of Education Hosts ‘Old Hollywood’ Themed-Gala to Support Autism and Developmental Disability Programs
Therapist Ashley Wyatt conducts a session at the Baylor Center for Developmental Disabilities. Proceeds from the gala will support these type of one-on-one therapy sessions and other programs. (Matthew Minard/Baylor Marketing and Communications)
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Media contact: Tonya Lewis, (254) 710-4656
WACO, Texas (May 7, 2014) –It is estimated that Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) affects more than 2 million people in the United States and current research shows a steady increase in the prevalence of the disorder.
In an effort to provide scholarships for services for Central Texas families who have children with ASD or developmental disabilities, the Baylor School of Education will host a gala benefiting the Baylor Autism Resource Center (BARC) and the Clinic for Assessment, Research and Education (CARE).
The “Old Hollywood” themed-gala, "Celebrating Exceptional Stars," will be held at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, May 10 on the fifth floor of Baylor University's Cashion Academic Building, 1401 South Fourth St.
"The gala helps to raise money for assessments, therapy and other resources for children with autism and other behavioral and developmental disabilities,” said Tonya N. Davis, Ph.D., director of CARE and assistant professor of educational psychology in Baylor's School of Education. “The gala is also an opportunity for us to honor Dr. Alma Golden who helped with the collaboration between McLane Children’s Scott & White and Baylor’s School of Education and Dr. Jon Engelhardt for his leadership as dean of the Baylor School of Education.”
Throughout the evening there will be dinner, a silent auction and music. Tickets for the event are $50 per seat or $450 for a table of ten guests. Dress is cocktail attire.
The BARC and CARE comprise the Baylor Center for Developmental Disabilities (BCDD). The BCDD concentrates on addressing complex issues of children with developmental disabilities, such as Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), through its cooperative research, educational and service programs. The Center also serves as a training venue for Baylor students, who are preparing for related professional careers, also to provide services for children.
BARC services include various disability assessments, social skills groups, autism summer day camp, resource and material library, special education consultation and advocacy services. CARE provides functional behavior evaluations, behavioral therapy, parent and educational consultation, and educational assessments.
For more information about tickets or questions about the event, contact Kristen Mainor at (254) 537-1042 or Kristen_Mainor@baylor.edu. To learn more about the BARC and CARE and their programs and services, visit www.baylor.edu/bcdd.
ABOUT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY
Baylor University is a private Christian University and a nationally ranked research institution, characterized as having “high research activity” by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. The University provides a vibrant campus community for approximately 15,000 students by blending interdisciplinary research with an international reputation for educational excellence and a faculty commitment to teaching and scholarship. Chartered in 1845 by the Republic of Texas through the efforts of Baptist pioneers, Baylor is the oldest continually operating University in Texas. Located in Waco, Baylor welcomes students from all 50 states and more than 80 countries to study a broad range of degrees among its 11 nationally recognized academic divisions. Baylor sponsors 19 varsity athletic teams and is a founding member of the Big 12 Conference.
ABOUT BAYLOR SCHOOL OF EDUCATION
Founded in 1919, the Baylor School of Education (SOE) prepares leaders through four departments in two broad program areas, Professional/Teacher Education and Health Education. Leadership preparation begins in undergraduate programs, continues through master’s level work, and culminates in both Ed.D. and Ph.D. programs. The SOE impacts the world as students participate in faculty-guided fieldwork, service learning, and community-focused research in local and global contexts. The school shapes the future by mentoring the whole person, developing an understanding of theory and practice, and encouraging responsiveness to one’s calling.