Clemson LIFE

ClemsonLIFE was funded in 2008, and started its first cohort of five students with intellectual disabilities in January of 2009. Since its founding, ClemsonLIFE has served 139 students with intellectual disabilities.

ClemsonLIFE started as a two-year program but then extended to become a three-year, then a four-year postsecondary program. The program is comprised of a two-year Basic Program (BP) where students live in apartments on campus with an Independent Living Assistant (ILA), followed by a two-year Advanced Program (AP) in which students live independently in apartments off campus.

Out of those students who finished the Clemson LIFE program and who completed Clemson’s annual alumni survey, 71% (29/31) respondents reported living independently. None of the students have gotten married, however two alumni are engaged to each other and are currently planning their wedding.

The future of ClemsonLIFE is focused on continued growth, expanding opportunities for students, and strengthening outcomes in employment, independent living, and campus inclusion. As the program continues to evolve, goals include increasing access to meaningful career experiences, developing additional community and employer partnerships, enhancing independent living supports and continuing to create inclusive experiences alongside traditional Clemson students. 

Clemson LIFE also hopes to continue expanding pathways for students after graduation through competitive employment. After graduation, ClemsonLIFE alumni can apply to the ACES (Alumni Coaching for Employment Success) Program, which provides continued support in employment and career readiness for adults with intellectual disabilities. The ACES program allows alumni to continue building upon the skills developed in ClemsonLIFE while increasing independence and adult outcomes within the community. 

ClemsonLIFE research initiatives have focused on interdisciplinary, person-centered approaches that promote independence, employability, accessibility, and quality of life for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Through collaborative and international partnerships, ClemsonLIFE researchers have secured grant funding to develop innovative supports, including feminine hygiene and menstruation care curriculum, object-recognition systems to support workplace independence, and the use of Apple technologies to increase autonomy and reduce reliance on intensive supports. Collectively, this work reflects a strengths-based philosophy emphasizing dignity, self-determination, and meaningful participation across education, workplace, and community settings.

ClemsonLIFE utilizes a peer mentorship model designed to support students academically, socially, and within independent living environments. Clemson University students serve in a variety of mentorship and support roles, helping ClemsonLIFE students build meaningful campus connections while increasing independence and self-confidence. 

ClemsonLIFE peer mentors are Clemson University students enrolled in a 1-credit Creative Inquiry course focused on inclusive practices, mentorship, and supporting students with intellectual disabilities in higher education settings. Mentors work directly with ClemsonLFE students throughout the semester and may assist with navigating campus life, attending campus events, studying, organizing and time management, social engagement, meal planning, workouts, and participation in university activities. 

In addition to mentors, ClemsonLIFE also utilizes volunteers who support students in more informal or activity- based capacities, such as attending events, serving as meal peers, participating in workouts, or assisting with campus engagement opportunities. The Volunteers4LIFE student organization has over 600 members, and has become the largest student organization on campus. 

Together, these relationships help foster natural supports and promote inclusion within the broader Clemson community.

ClemsonLIFE maintains ongoing communication with families through multiple avenues throughout the year. Families are invited to participate in weekly conference calls, and meeting minutes are shared afterward through weekly email updates. Families also receive regular communication from Independent Living Assistants (ILAs) regarding apartment life, routines, and student support.

In addition, ClemsonLIFE hosts annual orientation sessions and other family engagement opportunities throughout the academic year as needed. Regular communication between staff and families is an important part of supporting success and maintaining collaborative partnerships.

ACES (Alumni Coaching for Employment Success) is a transition and support program located in Greenville, S.C. That serves adults in intellectual disabilities upon graduation from ClemsonLIFE.

The program focuses on helping adults continue developing skills related to employment and career readiness. Through individualized coaching, alumni receive guidance with workplace expectations, communication skills, problem-solving, time management, transportation, and maintaining successful employment placements.

For many ClemsonLIFE graduates, ACES serves as a next-step option that allows them to continue strengthening the skills they developed during college while receiving scaffolded support.

One important area for continued growth is supporting students as they transition from postsecondary experience into life after ClemsonLIFE. Programs such as the ACES help bridge this gap by providing continued coaching and support in employment, independent living, and community engagement after graduation.

ClemsonLIFE is proud to take on a leadership role in mentoring other colleges and universities interested in opening similar type programs. To date, ClemsonLIFE has helped over 100 colleges and universities (e.g., Auburn University, LSU, NC State, West Virginia University) open or expand a similar program on their campuses. This past year we published a book titled “How to Create an Inclusive Post-Secondary Education Program: A Framework for Supporting Students with Intellectual Disabilities on College Campuses. During the fall semester ClemsonLIFE presented at the World Inclusion Congress In Kazakhstan to help promote similar programs throughout Europe and Asia.

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Thank you, Dr. Joe Ryan, founder and Executive Director, for the above information.