IDD Education Center -- University of Cincinnati

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Established in 2014, the Intellectual and Developmental Disability (IDD) Education Center is nested within the University of Cincinnati’s School of Education. Their mission is to meaningful, life-changing experiences specifically related to employment, independent living, and relationship building, for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) through innovative research, education and services. The IDD Education Center includes four specific programs: a) Collaboration for Education and Employment Synergy (CEES), b), Transition and Access Pathways (TAP), c) IMPACT Innovation, and d) the Regional Autism Advisory Council (RAAC). These programs embrace the University of Cincinnati’s strategic direction of Next Lives Here by making a positive impact on the community.

CEES offers unpaid work-based learning experiences with instructional support for pre-apprenticeship pathways to high school students with IDD in inclusive settings on the UC campus. Through partnerships with approximately 15 school districts, over 130 adolescents per year participate in CEES.

IMPACT Innovation serves 26 adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who have complex communication, sensory, and behavior challenges. Each day, individuals who participate in IMPACT come to campus to engage in a variety of work-based learning experiences, lifelong learning, and health related activities.

TAP is a four-year college certificate program for students with IDD. TAP students earn a university-recognized certificate upon completion of the four-year residential program.  TAP students have multiple opportunities to engage in career exploration and work-based learning experiences including internship experiences, with the goal of ultimately gaining meaningful competitively paid employment. UC offers TAP students many individualized programs of study in a career field of their interest, which include, but are not limited to, childcare, horticulture, hospitality/customer service, office/clerical, and STEM-related career pathways. 

RAAC is a regional network of stakeholders collaborating to improve outcomes for people with autism and those with similar support needs. RAAC provides opportunities for community connection, resource sharing and trainings and professional development.