Bold Changes for UC's IDD Education Center
The Intellectual and Developmental Disability (IDD) Education Center, within UC’s College of Education, Criminal Justice, Human Services, and Information Technology, provides life-changing programs for individuals with IDD to further their education and independence. Aligned with the University's strategic initiative, Next Lives Here, the IDD Education Center is dedicated to breaking boundaries and creating inclusive opportunities for employment, social connections, and lifelong learning. The IDD Education Center is excited to announce some bold and innovative changes.
In January of 2024, the IDD Education Center acquired the Regional Autism Advisory Council (RAAC) as its fourth program. Founded in 1999, RAAC’s vision was to create a network of stakeholders to respond in a cohesive way to the escalating need for supports and services for people with autism and their families. Over the years, RAAC became a model of collaboration, bringing together experts from various disciplines, families and individuals with lived experience to collectively problem-solve and build regional capacity. Integrating RAAC into the UC system is an opportunity to continue connecting, collaborating and coordinating to improve resources available to the local community, as well as expand the reach of RAAC within the university and broader community to better serve people with diverse needs. Sadie Everett, formerly the IDD Education Center’s Community Relations Manager, has been named the new Director of RAAC.
I am very excited to lead the efforts in reimagining the possibilities of RAAC and continuing the important work of improving outcomes for people with autism and those with related support needs.
Sadie Everett Director, Regional Autism Advisory Council (RAAC)
In addition to adding a new program, the IDD Education Center continues to grow and has recently welcomed three new team members. Christi Carnahan, the Center’s director conveyed her enthusiasm for these new hires, stating, “We are thrilled to welcome Erica Thompson, Nikki Murray, and Genna Kieper to our team. They bring unique perspectives, diverse experiences, and fresh ideas that will contribute significantly to our vision and mission and help drive progress toward our strategic priorities.”
Erica Thompson, IMPACT Innovation’s Program Manager. Photo/provided
Erica Thompson joined the team in April as IMPACT Innovation’s Program Manager. Her prior experiences include the role of an Intervention Specialist, behavior coach, and program supervisor for various districts and organizations in the Cincinnati area. Her areas of professional interest include vocational and transition opportunities for individuals with autism and other low-incidence disabilities, specifically focusing on independence and self-advocacy.
Nikki Murray, Marketing Coordinator for the IDD Education Center. Photo/provided
Nikki Murray started as the Marketing Coordinator in June and has been hard at work learning about all the IDD Education Center programs. Murray has an MBA from Thomas More College, with an extensive marketing background from previous career positions and continues to be an active member of her alumna sorority group, the Cincinnati Alumni Chapter of Delta Gamma, and an advisor for the Delta Gamma women at NKU. Murray has experience in marketing, sales, nonprofit organizations, event planning, and working with those with disabilities.
Genna Kieper, Director of Impact Innovation. Photo/provided
Genna Kieper joined the IDD Education Center in August as the Director of Impact Innovation. Coming from Washington State University, Kieper has worked as the Employment Services Coordinator for the WSU ROAR Program, an inclusive postsecondary education program for college-aged adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, much like the IDD Education Center’s program, Transition and Access Pathways at UC. Kieper has experience in program development, supported employment, program evaluation, disability awareness training, and person-centered planning. She is also nearing completion of her Ph.D. in Educational Psychology from Washington State University, where her research is focused on defining and promoting self-determination with and for young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
With the integration of RAAC and the addition of new, highly skilled team members, the IDD Education Center is poised for an exciting future. These changes underscore the Center’s commitment to enhancing opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and reinforce its role as a leader in the field. By fostering collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity, the IDD Education Center continues to break boundaries and create impactful, life-changing programs. As it moves forward, the Center remains dedicated to its mission of providing exceptional support and resources, ensuring that every individual can achieve their fullest potential and lead a fulfilling, independent life.
Feature photo at top provided by the IDD Education Center.
About the IDD Education Center
The University of Cincinnati’s IDD Education Center provides life-changing programs for teens and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to further their education, independence, and life skills. Program participants reach their potential and find their purpose in a community that accepts and supports them to be the best they can be. The IDD Education Center embraces the University’s strategic direction of Next Lives Here, breaking boundaries and providing inclusive opportunities for employment, social connections, and life-long learning.
Visit the IDD Education Center website to learn more. For more information about the School of Education, please visit the school’s website.
Contact the College of Education, Criminal Justice, Human Services, and Information Technology.
Story by Nikki Murray
Marketing Coordinator, Intellectual and Developmental Disability Education Center
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