Year in Review

In 2019, the ATS Research Network was established to help ensure that our efforts are innovated and driven by best practices. Members of the network include faculty and students from within the UC community who are passionate about improving the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Research focus areas include best practices for increasing employment, increasing STEM employment access, building communication and relationships through social media, and healthy living and exercise programs for better lives, to name a few.

In February 2020, the 3rd annual Red and Black Blast took place at UC’s Fifth Third Arena. More than 300 people attended the event to celebrate ATS, helping raise over $130,000. The night was one of fun and excitement, providing opportunities for us to connect with friends, honor our supporters, and showcase the strengths and achievements of students and associates. We are grateful for our sponsors, especially the presenting sponsor MasterCard, and gold sponsors Aramark, Impact Autism, and Hamilton County Sheriff Jim Neil, for their support in making the event our most successful!

Due to the Ohio governor’s Stay at Home Order in March 2020, all ATS activities became virtual. TAP students moved out of their dorms, the IMPACT associates stopped in-person programming, and CEES students transitioned to remote learning. Yet, despite the challenges of such sudden and life changing shifts, the students, associates, and staff excelled. Our staff worked with students and associates to develop creative ways to stay connected, even from afar. We all continued to learn, grow, and found new ways to lead. Several TAP students worked with other UC students to host weekly, online sessions for high school students to learn about college life. We partnered with faculty from engineering to implement a new course to teach visual spatial skills that are essential to employment in STEM careers.  Most importantly, we stayed connected. We saw each other for meals, classes, and social activities. We talked about our challenges, shared our emotions, and supported each other through video calls, texts, and social media. It was hard and will continue to be hard, but the dedication of our ATS staff, students, and associates will ensure that even during these difficult times, we will persevere.

2020-2021 is sure to be another unique year, full of challenges and opportunities. Our primary focus will be to continue to engage in innovative research and programs with and for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We will build on our recent successes so all of our students and associates have access to meaningful learning and life experiences that meet their individual needs no matter where they are. We will also look inward to refine our mission and strategic plan so that ATS continues to evolve in a way that promotes inclusion and quality of life for people with disabilities locally and on a national level.