The University of Memphis Institute on Disability
NEWS
A Decade of Inclusive Higher Education
Join us as we celebrate 10 years of TigerLIFE, a model of Inclusive Higher Education
at the University of Memphis Institute on Disability (UMID). Through our strong Community
of Practice, TigerLIFE has empowered students with intellectual and developmental
disabilities to learn, work, and thrive. Students like Ernesto Dossal show the power
of inclusion, gaining confidence, independence, and meaningful opportunities. 
Watch Ernesto Dossal and Mr. Patrick Krolik share more about the TigerLIFE Program on A Better Memphis, our 4 p.m. show on Action News 5 (WREG).
Link: https://www.actionnews5.com/.../uofm-celebrates-10-years.../ .
Celebrate with us at the LIFE Ball for All on November 15, 2025, at the Penny Hardaway Hall of Fame!
A Decade of Inclusive Higher Education
Join us as we celebrate 10 years of TigerLIFE, a model of Inclusive Higher Education
at the University of Memphis Institute on Disability (UMID). Through our strong Community
of Practice, TigerLIFE has empowered students with intellectual and developmental
disabilities to learn, work, and thrive. Students like Jasmynne Knoll show the power of inclusion, gaining confidence, independence,
and meaningful opportunities. Watch TigerLIFE Student Jasmynne Knoll and Co-Director of the Institute on Disability at the University of
Memphis, Mr. Patrick Krolik, share more about the TigerLIFE Program and the LIFE Ball
for All event on LIVE at 9 with Kontji Anthony, only on Action News 3 (WREG).
Link: https://wreg.com/.../uofm-program-empowers-neurodiverse.../ .
Celebrate with us at the LIFE Ball for All on November 15, 2025, at the Penny Hardaway Hall of Fame!
- October 22, 2025 -
University of Memphis Institute on Disability Returns to Dean’s Office, Names Patrick Krolik Co-Director
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – As the need for inclusive higher education and disability support continues to grow nationwide, the University of Memphis Institute on Disability (UMID) is entering a new phase of growth and collaboration under the College of Education Dean’s Office.
Read more about UMID’s new leadership- October 16, 2025 -
UMID Awarded $1.86 Million to Expand Inclusive Higher Education
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The University of Memphis Institute on Disability (UMID) has been awarded a five-year, $1.86 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education to expand inclusive postsecondary education opportunities for students with intellectual disabilities.
Read more about...
- October 2, 2025 -
Carnival Memphis Names UMID and TigerLIFE a 2025 Children’s Charity Partner
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The University of Memphis Institute on Disability (UMID) and its TigerLIFE program have been selected as one of the 2025 Children’s Charity Initiative beneficiaries by Carnival Memphis, a philanthropic organization that has celebrated and supported the Mid-South community since 1931.
Read more about how this partnership will help UMID
Dr. Schiro-Geist at the United Nationstalking about Inclusive Higher EducationEmpowering Lives Through Inclusive Approaches (COSP18 CRPD Side Event) - Dr. Chrisann Schiro-Geist presented at the United Nations about Inclusive Higher Education. |
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RCPAA Conference 2025Dr. Chrisann Schiro-Geist, Dr. Xinhua Yu, Mr. Patrick Krolik, and others presented “Project First: Scoping Review.” This review of Project First highlighted the importance of an outcome perspective in designing training materials for VR counselors. It addressed the role of VR counselors in mitigating discrepancies in employment outcomes. How education and training work together to provide employment outcomes for clients regardless of barriers. |
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Spring 2025 Transition and Resource FairRene Bustamante, Executive Vice President and CFO, stopped by the TigerLIFE Transition and Resource Fair! We’re grateful for his support and interest in empowering our students' futures. To check out the images from the event, click on the link: |
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Spring 2025 Advisory Board MeetingCheck out the attached PDF with the meeting minutes. |
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AI CoP Lunch & Learn: AI for Good: Building Bridges to Every Learner, March 25. Click on the image to view the video. |
| From working in her family's Chicago pizzeria as a child to spearheading institutional
change in the realm of disability at the University of |
University of Memphis Faculty Present at American Congress on Rehabilitation Medicine (ACRM) Conference
Dr. Xinhua Yu and Mr. Patrick Krolik, esteemed members of the University of Memphis
Institute on Disability Project FIRST team, recently presented at the American Congress
on Rehabilitation Medicine (ACRM) conference in Dallas on November 2nd, 2024. The
presentation, titled "Unveiling the Complexity: Intersectionality of Disability in
Multicultural Rehabilitation," explored the nuanced intersections of disability with
various cultural and social identities, aiming to foster a more inclusive approach
to rehabilitation practices.
The ACRM conference is a premier international event for rehabilitation research and
practice and has over two thousand rehabilitation experts and practitioners to discuss
critical issues, share innovative research, and collaborate on advancing rehabilitation
science. Dr. Yu and Mr. Krolik's work aligns with ACRM's mission to improve rehabilitation
outcomes by highlighting how an intersectional lens can enhance the understanding
and support of individuals with disabilities from diverse backgrounds.
Presenters and Vendors: Universities, Hospitals, Institutes, and private businesses,
all Specializing in Rehabilitation, Disability Research, and Medicine. For example,
vendors included The Hidden Workforce, the University of Texas Health System, and
the California Institute on Rehabilitation. Presentations on a wide range of Rehabilitation
subjects, for example, Innovative Stroke Prevention Programs for Young Adults, Strategies
to Capture Meaningful Performance Improvements from Rehabilitation, and Integrating
AI into Rehabilitation Medicine.
U of M Program Aids Students With Intellectual Disabilities
A University of Memphis program founded in 2013 to assist its intellectually and developmentally disabled enrollees continues its mission a decade later.
Read the article on the Daily Memphian or view the PDF version.
We are thrilled to announce Dr. Chrisann Schiro-Geist as the recipient of the prestigious Institute of Higher Education Leadership Award!
🏆 Dr. Schiro-Geist's dedication to advancing education and championing inclusivity has
earned her this well-deserved honor. 🎉 Her unwavering commitment to making Inclusive Higher Education
Discover a world of Advocacy, inspiration, empowerment, and insightful conversations with the TigerLIFE Podcast.
Join us on this captivating journey as we delve into the stories, experiences, and
Our John is Kroger's Employee of the Month....Congratulations John!
About The University of Memphis TigerLIFE
Watch the video on YouTube to view the informational video about the University of Memphis's TigerLIFE.
Our TigerLIFE student, Oluremi Bandele, whose father is the founder and CEO of the Hatiloo Theatre, was interviewed by Fox 13 News
Way to go, Oluremi!