Vanguard University Hosts Inaugural Disability Symposium
On June 25, Vanguard University’s School of Education hosted its first annual Disability Symposium, bringing together more than 130 participants to advance a vision of inclusion, belonging, and empowerment.
The event emerged from a clear and urgent purpose. “Historically, students with disabilities have often been excluded from schools and communities of faith,” shared Jeff Hittenberger, PhD, dean of the School of Education and host of the podcast Education for Love and Wisdom. “In recent years, a movement to include all students both in school and church more authentically has brought new opportunities, but we have a long way to go.”
This conviction shaped the symposium’s goal: to gather educators, community partners, disability ministry leaders, and individuals with disabilities and their families to share insights and strategies that create environments where every person is welcomed and supported. Through engaging presentations, panels, and networking, participants explored practical ways to build communities that recognize each person as made in the image of God and gifted to contribute.
The symposium also highlighted Vanguard’s commitment to preparing educators who lead with both skill and compassion. The university recently launched a new teaching credential program in Special Education to empower teachers to expand learning opportunities for all students. “Vanguard is committed to partnering with schools to equip the next generation of special education teachers and with faith communities to equip leaders and volunteers to welcome and support children, young people, and adults with disabilities and their families,” explained Joanne Van Boxtel, Ph.D., faculty director of Vanguard’s special education program.
At the heart of the day was the idea that education is about more than knowledge. It is about cultivating love, wisdom, and Christ-centered service. “Education rightly understood is a means by which we grow in our love for God and our neighbor and learn to apply our knowledge with love so that we can bring wisdom to every community,” Hittenberger said. “This kind of education transforms lives.”
