IDD Education Center -- University of Cincinnati

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Established in 2014, Advancement & Transition Services (ATS) is nested within the University of Cincinnati’s School of Education. Their mission is to foster quality life experiences specifically related to employment, independent living, and meaningful relationships, for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (ID/DD) through innovative research, education and service. ATS includes three specific programs: a) Collaboration for Education and Employment Synergy (CEES), b) IMPACT Innovation, and c) the Transition and Access Program (TAP). These programs embrace the University of Cincinnati’s strategic direction of Next Lives Here by making a positive impact on the world, and promoting diversity and inclusion.

CEES offers unpaid work experiences with instructional support to high school students with ID/DD in inclusive settings on the UC campus. Through partnerships with approximately 12 school districts, over 100 adolescents per year participate in CEES.

IMPACT Innovation serves 20 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 ID/DD. 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 paid or unpaid internships and co-op 2.0 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.