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University of Cincinnati’s IDD Education Center to Host Ninth Annual Red & Black Blast

Honoring Paul Kitzmiller, President of Impact Autism

headshot of Nicole Murray By Nicole Murray
4 minute read December 18, 2025

The University of Cincinnati’s Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Education Center will host the ninth annual Red & Black Blast on February 25, 2026, in the Great Hall of UC’s Tangeman University Center from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

This signature event brings together community partners, families, supporters, and advocates to celebrate the four life-changing programs of the IDD Education Center’s: Collaboration for Employment and Education Synergy (CEES), Transition and Access Pathways (TAP), IMPACT Innovation (IMPACT), and the Regional Autism Advisory Council (RAAC). These programs empower individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to pursue independence, discover their strengths, and thrive in academic, work, and community environments.

Guests will enjoy dinner, cocktails, a silent auction, and inspiring stories of achievement. Attendees will have the chance to bid on original artwork created by IDD Education Center participants and compete for exciting raffle prizes.

Man

Honoring Paul Kitzmiller, President of Impact Autism Photo/Impact Autism

This year’s celebration holds special significance as IMPACT Innovation marks its 10-year anniversary this past October, a milestone made possible through the early vision and generous support of the Impact Autism Foundation, founders, Diana and David O’Brien, and Christina Carnahan, Director of IDD Education Center.  Their investment helped establish IMPACT Innovation as a year-round program focused on lifelong learning, healthy living, and vocational exploration foradults with autism on a university campus. Today, the program continues to grow and thrive thanks to the University of Cincinnati, community partnerships, and dedicated supporters.

This year, the IDD Education Center will also honor Paul Kitzmiller, President of Impact Autism, with the Champion for Inclusion Award. Kitzmiller’s leadership and unwavering advocacy have expanded opportunities for individuals with IDD and strengthened collaborative efforts across the region.

UC Bearcat

UC Bearcat Photo: Teresa Ripley

Ted Karras, Bengals Center, will serve as the honorary chairperson for the 2026 Red & Black Blast. Ted is a passionate advocate for equal access to education, employment, and housing for people with disabilities. In 2022, he launched The Cincy Hat Foundation and brand as a fundraiser for adults with IDD. Building on this success, Ted created the Scholarship Series Hat in 2024, which funds scholarships for the IDD Education Center’s TAP program, providing college education for students with IDD.

Dedicated sponsors for the Red & Black Blast include RESLV, Procter & Gamble, The Berninger Family, Deloitte, and Diana and David O’Brien.

All proceeds from the Red & Black Blast will support CEES, TAP, IMPACT, and RAAC, helping to provide education and research, employment pathways, and community engagement opportunities that improve outcomes for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

For event details and to purchase tickets or sponsorships, please visit https://bit.ly/RBBlast2026

For information on how you can become a sponsor, contact Nikki Murray,  Nikki.Murray@uc.edu

Featured image at top: Attendees seated from last years event of the 8th Annual Red and Black Blast Photo: Teresa Ripley

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. 

Learn more about the center's programs. 

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.

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