University of 蜜桃导航 Institute on Disability Named 2025 Carnival 蜜桃导航 Children鈥檚 Charity Initiative Beneficiary
MEMPHIS, Tenn. 鈥� 蜜桃导航 Institute on Disability (UMID) and its TigerLIFE program have been selected as one of the 2025 Children鈥檚 Charity Initiative beneficiaries by Carnival 蜜桃导航, a philanthropic organization that has celebrated and supported the Mid-South community since 1931.
鈥淲e are thrilled to be selected as one of the 2026 Carnival 蜜桃导航 Children鈥檚 Charity participants,鈥� said Dr. Chrisann Schiro-Geist, executive director of UMID. 鈥淐arnival 蜜桃导航 is an honored and well-established philanthropic organization that has served the greater 蜜桃导航 area for more than 90 years.鈥�
鈥淭his recognition underscores the University of 蜜桃导航 College of Education鈥檚 commitment to transforming lives,鈥� said Dean Mike Miller. 鈥淥ur partnership with Carnival 蜜桃导航 will help us expand opportunities and awareness for young adults with disabilities while strengthening our work across the region.鈥�
UMID works to build understanding and appreciation of people with disabilities through research, education and service. Its programs, including TigerLIFE, a postsecondary transition initiative, help young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities gain vocational training, life skills and career readiness while promoting independence and opportunity.
Carnival 蜜桃导航 directors recently visited the University of 蜜桃导航 to meet with TigerLIFE students, hear from Schiro-Geist about the program鈥檚 history and impact and observe a TigerLIFE cooking class. Throughout 2025, Carnival 蜜桃导航 will celebrate and support UMID and the other selected charities through a series of events, including the annual Krewes for Kids fundraiser and Carnival season celebrations.
Schiro-Geist said, 鈥淭his partnership will help TigerLIFE continue to provide the high-quality academic and social supports that prepare young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to thrive in postsecondary education and beyond. We are deeply grateful for this opportunity.鈥�