IDD Education Center honors community partners with prestigious awards
Awards highlight their outstanding commitment to safety and community partnership
The IDD Education Center proudly recognized two outstanding partners at this year’s Community Partner Luncheon, honoring their extraordinary dedication to fostering inclusion and creating meaningful opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
From left to right: Officer Carra Sparks, Officer Greg Valerius, Maria Madera, Brennan Eve and LT Brinker with UC Public Safety and Dr. Christi Carnahan at the IDD Education Center. Photo/CECH Marketing
UC Public Safety was awarded the Chuck Altenau Outstanding Service Award, which recognizes individuals or organizations that go above and beyond in supporting the IDD Education Center’s mission. UC Public Safety has exemplified this commitment by creating safe, welcoming, and supportive environments for program participants on campus.
“We are proud to honor UC Public Safety with the Chuck Altenau Outstanding Service Award,” said Dr. Christi Carnahan, director of the IDD Education Center. "More than providing protection, they show genuine care and commitment to fostering an environment where everyone feels included, supported, and empowered to take on new opportunities with confidence. This award celebrates not only their service, but also the trust, independence, and sense of community they help make possible."
“Their presence and dedication give students and participants a sense of safety and belonging.
Christi Carnahan
The Employer Partner of the Year Award was presented to RESLV, a creative agency deeply invested in community impact. This award celebrates a community partner whose efforts reflect a strong commitment to the Center’s mission of providing meaningful experiences and inclusive employment opportunities. RESLV has consistently supported the Center’s initiatives, offering opportunities that empower individuals with IDD to showcase their talents, build skills, and pursue independence through inclusive pathways.
From left to right: Dr. Christi Carnahan, Director of the IDD Education Center, Jesy Herron, VP of Client Partnerships, RESLV, Scott Thompson, CEO of RESLV. Photo/CECH Marketing
“RESLV’s recognition as a community partner underscores the importance of collaboration in fulfilling the mission of the IDD Education Center,” said Dr. Carnahan. “Through their commitment to inclusive opportunities, RESLV helps open doors for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to explore their potential, gain independence, and find belonging. Their partnership reflects the Center’s vision of creating a community where every person is valued and has the chance to thrive.”
The IDD Education Center continues to celebrate partnerships that advance its mission of creating access to education, employment, and community engagement for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
IDD Education Center
UC’s IDD Education Center’s mission is to create meaningful, life-changing experiences for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) through innovative research, education and service. Nested in UC’s College of Education, Criminal Justice, Human Services and IT (CECH), the IDD Education Center provides programs for teens and adults 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 opportunities for employment, social connections, and life-long learning.
We believe every individual possesses unique power, potential, and purpose.
Impact Lives Here
The University of Cincinnati is leading public urban universities into a new era of innovation and impact. Our faculty, staff and students are saving lives, changing outcomes and bending the future in our city's direction. Next Lives Here.
Featured image at top: Attendees at the Community Partner Luncheon clapping. Photo: UC CECH Marketing.
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