About IDD Education Center

Established in 2014 within the University of Cincinnati’s College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services (CECH), the Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Education Center (IDD Education Center) provides a lively and supportive learning environment that helps students grow and prepare for future careers. Students have access to UC facilities and receive guidance from dedicated faculty, staff, and peer mentors who value each person’s strengths and abilities.

The IDD Education Center’s programs support individuals as they move from high school into adulthood, helping them build important life and work skills so they can live more independent and fulfilling lives. Through focused wellness, learning, academic, and employment opportunities, the center empowers students to reach 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

Working within a Tier 1 Research University brings both challenges and opportunities for the IDD Education Center. Our impact reaches far beyond the 100 individuals we serve each day. We also influence families, UC students who work in our programs, and UC faculty, staff, and leaders. This wide reach creates a ripple effect that helps shift attitudes and support better outcomes for people with disabilities. Being part of a major university sets us apart from smaller agencies and allows us to develop, use, and share evidence‑based best practices that can be modeled across the country.

1. We inspire positive change. We create a safe and supportive place for people to grow. We work to remove barriers and show accountability in all the communities we serve.

2. We promote self‑determination and self‑advocacy. We offer experiences that help individuals make their own choices and build happy, productive, and well‑rounded lives.

3. We build relationships of trust. We believe trust is the foundation for learning and growth. We recognize each person’s strengths and challenges, listen carefully, communicate openly, and respond with care.

4. We are dedicated to research and evidence‑based practice. We focus on research that creates strong opportunities for learning and growth. We use proven, individualized supports to build inclusive communities and improve quality of life. Our research guides our work, and our work guides our research.

5. We see and value each other’s humanity. We believe everyone has something meaningful to contribute. Dignity comes from being part of a community and forming real relationships. We look beyond labels or challenges to see each person’s unique strengths and gifts.

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