UofM Institute on Disability Uses Research to Lead and Advocate for Services

Driven by creating opportunities and producing applied research for and about persons with different abilities

The University of Memphis Institute on Disability (UMID) serves the needs of the greater Memphis area through services, education, and research to and about persons with disabilities, with an emphasis on persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities. They are committed to creating a learning community that provides perspectives and insights from scholars, thought leaders , community partners, students, families, and other supporters who challenge, lead and advocate for persons with disabilities.

Utilizing a person-centered systems perspective to maximize educational, health, social, family, employment, and financial outcomes for diverse community members and those who support them in an ever-changing global environment, they create and leverage innovative and interdisciplinary programs, services, and research with the community, public, and private partners by promoting access to higher education and career development; advocating for community inclusion, and enhancing the overall quality of life for individuals with disabilities and their families.

“The University of Memphis Institute on Disability (UMID) is driven by a focus on creating opportunities and fostering applied research”, states Dr. Chrisann Schiro-Geist, director of the Institute on Disability and professor in Counseling Education Psychology and Research. “We develop opportunities for research, inclusion, and for education and training on employment, throughout this diverse Memphis community, regionally, nationally and internationally. UMID has formed a partnership in "Disability Research and Advocacy" to assist people with physical and developmental disabilities to find meaningful and lasting education and employment. Our vision is to form alliances with government, private, academic, and legal entities to research and develop programs which encourage people with disabilities, to pursue the next steps in their life transitions. The future can, and hopefully will, be so much more inclusive!”

The Institute recently published their 2021-22 Annual Performance Statement. Read full document here >> 

For more information on the Institute, information on transitional programs, academic opportunities for UofM students or to learn how you can partner to provide opportunities, contact the UMID TigerLIFE Office at 901.678.4303 or email their offices at UMID@memphis.edu.