25-12-Annual Report 2025_FINAL no bleed pages-1 - Flipbook - Page 28
CLEMSON UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF EDUCATION
TM
Since 2009, ClemsonLIFETM (Learning is for Everyone)
has provided premier collegiate experiences for young
people with intellectual disabilities, preparing them for
competitive employment and independent living.
Through a combination of on campus academic
coursework and career exploration, ClemsonLIFE has
established itself as a national model for postsecondary
education for students with intellectual disabilities. While
national employment outcomes for this population range
between 14-34 percent, nearly all (97%) ClemsonLIFE
graduates are employed after graduation. Similarly, while
nationwide only 16 percent of adults with intellectual
disabilities live on their own, two-thirds (67%) of
ClemsonLIFE® graduates are now living independently.
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The program was founded on the belief that enhancing
academics, social skills, employability and independence
will better prepare students with disabilities to lead full
and productive lives. Given the increased size of the
program and number of graduates who are electing to
stay in the local area after graduation. There is a critical
need to establish an alumni support system to expand
employment and living opportunities beyond Clemson.
With this need in mind, the College of Education and
ClemsonLIFE have established ClemsonLIFE Alumni
Coaching for Employment Success (ACES), a program
designed to support students’ transition to employment
and independent living in Greenville, South Carolina.
The program includes an off-campus office in Greenville
staffed by a program coordinator and an employment
coach. We will soon add an occupational therapy
graduate assistant.
