CENTER FOR LEARNING
For more than a decade, the Center for Learning at The Brookwood Community™ has equipped organizations to build communities rooted in dignity, purpose, and belonging for adults with disabilities. What began as a twice-annual conference has grown into a calling—offering education, mentorship, and practical tools to help others replicate The Brookwood Way® and transform lives around the world.
The Brookwood Way Conference
Discover a proven, purpose-driven model that empowers adults with disabilities to live with dignity, joy, and meaningful work. The Brookwood Way Conference is an immersive, behind-the-scenes experience hosted at The Brookwood Community in Brookshire, Texas, designed for those who want to learn how to build or strengthen a thriving community for adults with disabilities.
Come see, feel, and experience a working model in action—and leave equipped with practical tools you can take home and adapt to your own organization, ministry, or community.
what is the brookwood way conference?
The Brookwood Way® Conference is a multi-day, in-person learning experience that opens the doors of The Brookwood Community™ to leaders, families, and organizations from around the world.
Over several days, you will:
- Tour residential homes, enterprise areas, worship spaces, and community gathering spots
- Hear directly from Brookwood leadership and program experts
- Observe Citizens engaged in meaningful work and daily life
- Learn how Brookwood integrates faith, purpose, and best practices in disability services
The Conference is built for people who don’t just want theory—they want to see a real, working model for adult disability care, residential life, and vocational programs.
TEACCH Autism Program
June 16-18, 2026
Location: The Brookwood Community | Brookshire, Texas
Join us for three enriching TEACCH training days focused on deepening your understanding of autism and strengthening support for neurodiverse learners through the TEACCH framework. Led by experts Michael Chapman of the UNC TEACCH Autism Program and Jemma Grindstaff of UNC’s Department of Psychiatry and the Carolina Living and Learning Center, this immersive experience offers practical strategies and real-world insights to enhance learning, independence, and quality of life.
REGISTRATION COMING SOON
UPCOMING CONFERENCE DATES
The Brookwood Way® Conference
April 27-30, 2026
Location: The Brookwood Community | Brookshire, Texas
Conference sessions typically include:
- Welcome and overview of The Brookwood Way
- Guided campus and residential tours
- Enterprise and program observations
- Breakout sessions and Q&A with subject-matter experts
- Panel discussions with leadership and staff
- Time for reflection, planning, and networking
A detailed schedule will be provided upon registration.
What You’ll Learn & Experience
During the Conference, you’ll gain both high-level vision and practical, step-by-step insight, including:
How Brookwood creates home-like environments that foster independence, safety, and belonging for adults with disabilities.
How Citizens participate in work that matches their abilities and gifts through enterprises like horticulture, ceramics, retail, food service, and more.
Structures, staffing models, and daily rhythms that keep a complex community running smoothly and sustainably.
How Brookwood’s Christ-centered mission shapes culture, decision-making, and the way we honor each Citizen’s God-given worth.
Practical guidance for those exploring how to start, expand, or reimagine programs in their own communities, churches, or organizations.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
The Brookwood Way Conference is ideal for:
- Nonprofit and ministry leaders exploring new models of disability services
- Churches and faith communities considering inclusive or residential programs
- Families and caregivers seeking long-term, purpose-filled options for adults with disabilities
- Educators and school partners supporting students as they transition into adulthood
- Community planners and advocates focused on housing, services, and inclusion
- Business and social enterprise leaders interested in purpose-driven vocational programs
Whether you’re in early dreaming stages or already running a program, the Conference is designed to meet you where you are.
WHY THIS CONFERENCE MATTERS
For more than four decades, The Brookwood Community has been a living example of what’s possible when adults with disabilities are given space to thrive.
When you attend the Conference, you will:
- See a working model up close. Walk through homes, enterprises, and community spaces while they are operating.
- Meet the people behind the model. Learn from leaders, teachers, staff, and Citizens who live this mission every day.
- Gain practical tools. Get real-world insight on staffing, funding, programming, and culture-building.
- Connect with peers. Network with others from across the country who share your passion for compassionate, purposeful disability care.
- Leave with hope and a plan. You’ll return home with both inspiration and clear next steps tailored to your context.
Learning Tours
While we prepare for the next full Conference, we are also offering a limited number of Learning Tours.
Learning Tours include:
- A personalized, behind-the-scenes visit to The Brookwood Community™
- Guided campus tour with a focus on your specific areas of interest
- A Q&A session with a member of our Center for Learning (CFL) team
To inquire about dates, pricing, or availability:
📧 Email: CFL@brookwoodcommunity.org
📞 Phone: 281-375-2240
Sponsorship Opportunities
If your organization would like to support The Brookwood Way® Conference and help more leaders learn this model, sponsorship opportunities are available.
Conference sponsors can:
- Underwrite scholarship spots for attendees
- Support conference materials and hospitality
- Help expand the reach and impact of Brookwood’s replication efforts
To learn more about sponsorship levels and benefits, please contact us at CFL@brookwoodcommunity.org.
Frequently Asked Questions
The goal is to share the philosophy, structure, and daily practices of The Brookwood Community so others can learn how to create or strengthen programs for adults with disabilities in their own communities.
Yes. Whether you are in the early dreaming stage or already managing an existing program, you’ll find helpful guidance, practical examples, and space to ask questions.
Absolutely. Families and caregivers often attend to better understand long-term residential and vocational options and to learn what is possible for adults with disabilities.
Yes. Attendees receive conference materials, notes, and resources designed to help you process what you’ve learned and begin planning next steps.
Group pricing may be available for organizations sending multiple participants. Please contact us at CFL@brookwoodcommunity.org or 281-375-2240 to discuss options.
Yes. The Brookwood Community™ is a Christ-centered community, and our faith informs the way we care for Citizens, shape culture, and make decisions. However, we welcome attendees from all backgrounds and beliefs.
INTERNSHIPS
OUR PROGRAM
The Internship Program at Brookwood begins with an interview with the individual wishing to contribute their time with a deep desire to learn more about The Brookwood Way®. Our program includes students and faculty members from a variety of colleges, universities, post-graduate institutions or people simply wanting to learn more about our unique approach of celebrating adults with disabilities.
Backgrounds and interests include individuals desiring experience in the field of medical, dental, nursing, social work, psychology, education, special education, occupational therapy, physical therapy, theology, fitness, recreation, business operations, marketing, retail, café, or horticulture.
We welcome any interested individuals who are willing to serve and want to learn more to email:
interns@brookwoodcommunity.org or apply today.
Thank You Cinco Ranch Rotary Club
Brookwood would like to thank the Cinco Ranch Rotary Club for their grant that supports our many Center for Learning training and outreach ministries, including The Brookwood Way Conference. These training and outreach opportunities have a far-reaching impact, extending beyond Brookwood’s campus in Brookshire.
