ClemsonLIFE Provides a Higher Education Experience for Students with Intellectual Disabilities

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New York, NY (September 8, 2008). Clemson University's Eugene T. Moore School of Education will launch ClemsonLIFE in January 2009, a program designed to provide a college experience for students with intellectual disabilities. The College Transition Connection (CTC) is funding the development of this innovative model program, with financial support from the State of South Carolina. The CTC grant will total $155,000 over three years. The National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) is providing technical assistance and grant administration.

State Superintendent of Education Jim Rex joined Clemson faculty, state legislators, CTC board members, NDSS representatives, and prospective students with disabilities and their parents when the program was announced today at an event on the Clemson University campus.
ClemsonLIFE (Learning Is For Everyone) is designed to provide a coordinated course of study that enables qualified students to experience college life while developing the employment and independent living skills necessary to participate fully in society.

"Clemson University's willingness to lead and innovate, the College Transition Connection's leadership, and the State of South Carolina's financial support will achieve 21st century outcomes for students with intellectual disabilities in South Carolina and a model for the rest of the country to follow", said Stephanie Smith Lee, NDSS Senior Policy Advisor.

The two-year program will provide academic instruction including financial literacy, decision making, business communication, and independent living skills, while also providing job internships and opportunities to be included in campus life, all focused around providing a successful transition to the work environment.

The pilot cohort of three students will be admitted in January, with six more students accepted each fall and thereafter. The students will learn independent living skills while taking part in various off-campus and on-campus activities. Program goals include academic enrichment, socialization, independent living skills and job training and career exploration. ClemsonLIFE is supported by a partnership between CTC, NDSS, and the Center for Disability Resources at the University of South Carolina. For more information visit: http://www.clemson.edu/culife.