History of the Center for Faith and Disability

The longings of a parent’s heart was the beginning of what would eventually become the Center for Faith and Disability. Mary Haskins, the mother of Ann, a child with intellectual and developmental disabilities was concerned with the lack of sufficient housing, support, research and teacher training programs for children with special needs. Her concern led to the formation of the Ann Haskins Foundation, and a resulting endowment to Wheaton College to begin a special education training program within its highly regarded education department.

Dr. Thomas Boehm joined the Wheaton College faculty in 2015 to build and direct the program. In addition to preparing students who desire specifically to become special education teachers, Wheaton College is committed to inclusive education. By leveraging the best of general and special education teacher preparation efforts, we seek to prepare all teachers to serve all students for the glory of God.

Learn more about the Ann Haskins Special Education Program >

Ric Baptista Fund – Pioneering Together

Ric Baptista celebrated his 60th birthday in 2019 with a party at College Church in Wheaton where he serves as an usher and participates in the STARS ministry. Ric’s party came just two weeks after the kick-off of the Wheaton College Faith and Disability Initiative, an event made possible through an endowment generously established in his honor by his mother, Martha Cole Baptista ’45.

In 1951, Martha embarked on a distinguished career at Wheaton College, initially as a women's basketball coach--with a notable highlight being her undefeated 1968 team--and later as Assistant Dean of Students. Martha taught a college course called “Recreation for the Disabled,” and for many years she supported special needs students at College Church in Wheaton. Martha's husband, Dr. Robert C. Baptista, Sr. ’44, had a relationship with Wheaton College spanning the years between 1951 and 1974. During this time he served as associate Professor of Physical Education, Dean of Faculty, and Vice President of Academic Affairs. In 1979, Martha and Dr. Baptista co-authored a book about their son Ric, a person with disabilities.

At 93 years old, Martha met with Damon Winters ’09, a regional director of development at Wheaton College. Damon introduced her to Dr. Thomas Boehm’s work.

Inspired by Dr. Boehm’s vision, Martha spearheaded a giving campaign, writing letters to a wide circle of family and friends. “A lot of soccer and basketball players lived with us over the years – and a lot of them contributed,” explains Martha's oldest son, Rob Baptista, Jr. ’70, adding, “She even told me how much I was going to give.”

After gathering the responses, Martha surprised Damon and Dr. Boehm with stacks of letters. Damon says, “There were gifts from both coasts and a litany of people. Clearly, when she called, people answered with a ‘Yes, ma’am.’”

Martha passed away on January 16, 2018. “This was my mother’s passion for the last year of her life.” Believing that the generosity would continue, Martha asked that Ric’s birthday, April 10, serve as a reminder to give in support of pioneering disciple-making to and with people impacted by disability.

Give Now Online to Support the Ric Baptista Fund > 

Faith and Disability Initiative

Dr. Boehm’s vision went beyond creating an innovative special education program and strengthening an already excellent teacher preparation program; he wanted to engage schools, congregations and parachurch organizations to view disability through a biblical lens; to see disability as a kingdom-building calling. In March of 2019 the Faith and Disability Initiative was launched with a public lecture titled, “Engaging Autism — Honoring God” delivered by Dr. Grant Macaskill, Kirby Laing Chair of New Testament Exegesis at the University of Aberdeen in Scotland. Dr. Macaskill highlighted the clear, biblical foundations for valuing every member of the body of Christ, while also providing an overview of the history and current thinking about autism spectrum disorder.

Dr. Macaskill said, “God arranged the members of the body as he chose. He gives each member of the body to the other members of the body. Once they are appreciated first as a gift, their capacity to be able to give begins to emerge.”  The evening was enhanced with visual and performing arts created by people with disabilities. 

Following the lecture came a three-day Faith and Disability Symposium. Almost 20 thought- and practitioner-leaders from around the world converged on campus to develop relationships, contribute to a special issue of the Journal of Disability & Religion, and further one another’s research, practice, and scholarship.

Wheaton’s administration embraced the initiative.  In the summer of 2019, disability was incorporated into the College’s Diversity Commitment and the Center for Faith and Disability was established.