About IDD Education Center

Established in 2014 and nested within the University of Cincinnati’s College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services (CECH), Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Education Center (IDD Education Center) offers a vibrant and engaging learning experience that enriches lives and launches careers. Our community offers access to UC facilities and guidance from committed faculty, staff, and peer mentors who are passionate about the gifts and abilities of every individual.

IDD Education Center programs address the specialized needs of individuals as they transition from high school through adulthood to help them gain life skills, work skills, and ultimately more independent and fulfilled lives. Our targeted wellness, learning, academic, and employment programs transform lives by helping individuals establish greater independence and achieve their personal, social, and professional goals.

Why IDD Education Center?

• Gain access to quality life experiences in a community setting
• Engage in meaningful experiences to build social and communication skills
• Develop independence in fun and engaging settings
• Access community-based internships and employment
• Prepare for life beyond high school

To learn more about IDD Education Center, please contact us via email or check out our life-changing programs here:

Existing and working nested in a Tier 1 Research University setting provides challenges and opportunities for IDD Education Center. Our scope of influence is much larger than the 100 individuals we serve daily.  Constituents and audiences whom we can influence include parents and families of associates, UC students who work in our programs, and UC faculty, staff and leadership. This sphere of influence leads to a multiplier effect which helps us change attitudes and precipitate cultural shifts to improve the outcomes for people with disabilities. This unique setting differentiates us from small social service agencies and enables us to develop and share evidence-based best practices and to become a replicable model program, nationwide.

#1 We inspire positive change.  

We create a safe place to nurture personal growth by making intentional decisions to break down barriers and model accountability throughout the communities we touch.  

#2 We promote self-determination and self-advocacy.   

We provide experiences that cultivate freedom and authority for individuals to make choices and decisions to create happy, productive, and well-rounded lives.    

#3 We build relationships of trust.  

We believe trusting relationships are the foundation for growth and learning. We recognize each other’s unique strengths and challenges and use these to guide our interactions. We listen carefully, communicate openly, and respond thoughtfully.    

#4 We are dedicated to research, and evidence-based practice.  

We are dedicated to research designed to cultivate rich opportunities for learning and growth, and using evidence based, individualized supports to create inclusive communities and improve the quality of life of for all. Research drives our practice, and practice drives our research.    

#5 We see and value each other’s humanity.  

We believe that all people are contributing members of their communities, and that dignity comes from the opportunity to engage in meaningful relationships with others. We see beyond labels, barriers, or superficial challenges to the unique strengths and gifts of each individual.