Counseling and Wellness
- Weekly group counseling sessions with students
- Individual counseling sessions available, upon student request
- Personal and universal hygiene practices
- Characteristics of healthy relationships
- Access to FIKE gym membership
The ClemsonLIFE ™ program at Clemson University offers a collegiate experience that prepares young men and women with intellectual disabilities for competitive employment and independent living through a combination of academic coursework and career exploration. The program is designed for students who desire a post-secondary experience on a college campus. Our program incorporates functional academics, independent living, employment and social/leisure skills in a public university setting with the goal of producing self-sufficient young adults.
The ClemsonLIFE Program offers a two-year Basic Program that incorporates functional academics, independent living, employment, social/leisure skills, and health/wellness skills in a public university setting with the goal of producing self-sufficient young adults. Additionally, the ClemsonLIFE Program offers a two-year Advanced Program for students that have demonstrated the ability to safely live independently, sustain employment, and socially integrate during the Basic Program. The Advanced Program progresses with an emphasis on workplace experience, community integration, and independent living with transitionally reduced supports. Students who successfully complete the Basic and/or Advanced program will receive a corresponding certificate of post-secondary education.
Open House dates:
9:00 a.m. – Computers & Technology/Critical Thinking
12:00 p.m. – Lunch
1:00 p.m. – Explore Clemson/Internship
3:30 p.m. – Fitness Workout at Fike
*This is a sample schedule that is subject to change.
All students attend a Clemson University leisure skills class one to two days per week. They attend a specialized fitness class at Fike Recreation center once a week. Mentors also meet with students on a weekly basis to support and encourage LIFE students. The 650+ volunteers will be available for a plethora of activities with our students.
The ClemsonLIFE Program follows the University academic calendar, except for University exam weeks.
Fall 2022
Spring 2023
ClemsonLIFE (Learning is for Everyone) offers a collegiate experience that prepares young men and women with intellectual disabilities for competitive employment and independent living through a combination of academic coursework and career exploration.
ClemsonLIFE core principles support the concept that enhancing academic, social, employment, and life skills will better prepare students with disabilities to lead full and productive lives. It is a comprehensive residential college experience designed to raise the expectations and skill levels of the students admitted to the program.
Traditional college courses are taught by Clemson faculty, while functional academics are taught by staff with teacher certification in the area of special education.
An applicant must be between the ages of 18 and 26 years old upon admission to the program and have an intellectual disability characterized by significant limitations both in intellectual functioning and in adaptive behavior as expressed in conceptual, social, and practical adaptive skills. Applicants must have a strong desire to become an independent adult and possess sufficient emotional stability and maturity to successfully participate in the program.
Twelve full time students will be admitted each year for fall semester.
ClemsonLIFE is a residential program providing instruction and practical experience in independent living skills. All students enrolled in the Basic Program live in on-campus apartments under the supervision on an Independent Living Assistant (ILA). Students in the Advanced Program live in apartments off-campus, and are closely monitored by Transition Specialists who assist them with independent living skills.
The Basic Program is designed to be completed in two years. Admittance into the Advanced Program is by invite-only, and provides two additional years of transition support to help facilitate independent living.
Students successfully completing the program will receive a certificate of post-secondary education (not an accredited college degree).
Each ClemsonLIFE student is provided an individual peer student mentor drawn from throughout the campus. Mentors assist ClemsonLIFE students both academically and socially, as well as helping them fully integrate into the college community.
There are a variety of different funding opportunities including FAFSA, Pell grants, South Carolina Commission on Higher Education grants, Vocational Rehabilitation tuition stipends, ClemsonLIFE grant-in-aids, and other private scholarships.
All interested applicants should attend one of our open houses that are held each semester. Sessions are typically offered in March and October. To reserve a space at an open house session, please register online. To schedule a campus tour, please visit the University campus tours page and fill out the registration form.
ClemsonLIFE is dedicated to providing a structured, high-quality, well-supervised program focused on vocational and independent living for young adults with disabilities. The cost per-semester is listed below for the 2022/2023 school year.
The below fees are invoiced directly from the ClemsonLIFE program:
Program Fees
Covers costs associated with the ClemsonLIFE program (i.e. Operation Costs and Staff/Instructor Salaries) - $12,000
Student Budget Fees
Covers apartment groceries, laundry, attendance at sporting or theater events, field trips, etc. - $1,550
University Fees
The below fees are paid directly to Clemson University and are included on the University bill:
Housing
Covers rent, utilities, cable and Internet. All students currently live in Douthit Hills apartments on campus. - $4,789
Academic Fee
Covers tuition fees. All students are required to enroll in a one credit hour Clemson University leisure skills class.
Meal Plan (Required)
The ClemsonLIFE meal plan is designed specifically for the ClemsonLIFE students for dining hall access.
*All fees reflect the cost for Fall 2023 and are subject to change.
The below fees are invoiced directly from the ClemsonLIFE program:
Program Fees
Covers costs associated with the ClemsonLIFE program (i.e. Operation Costs and Staff/Instructor Salaries) - $7,500
Student Budget Fees
Covers apartment groceries, laundry, attendance at sporting or theater events, field trips, etc. - Not applicable
*Students work in the Clemson Community and with ClemsonLIFE staff to define a budget that reflects the student's monthly income.
University Fees
The below fees are paid directly to Clemson University and are included on the University bill:
Academic Fee
Covers tuition fees. All students are required to enroll in a one credit hour Clemson University leisure skills class.
Meal Plan (Optional)
The ClemsonLIFE meal plan is designed specifically for the ClemsonLIFE students for dining hall access.
*All fees reflect the cost for Fall 2023 and are subject to change.
Financial Aid
Financial aid is available for students with intellectual disabilities attending post-secondary programs. The following are resources to explore:
Federal Student Aid: Students may be eligible for Federal Pell Grants receiving up to $6,495 per year. Here are resources on the steps to filling out the FAFSA form and things you need to know before filling out the FAFSA form.
South Carolina Commission on Higher Education- Transition Program Scholarship: If you are a South Carolina resident we encourage you to complete your FAFSA so you will receive the CTP scholarship from the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education. This scholarship is NOT need based. The requirements to receive funds from the CTP Scholarship are 1) they must be a US citizen or legal permanent resident, 2) a legal SC resident, and 3) be enrolled in a College Transition Program
South Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation Department: Students may be eligible for sponsorships.
Some independent organizations and groups have offered scholarship money to select students.
Ruby's Rainbow: Our goal at Ruby's Rainbow is to grant scholarships to adults with Down Syndrome seeking post-secondary education, enrichment or vocational classes who feel that higher education is the right choice for them.
O’Neill Tabani Enrichment Fund: The mission of the O’Neill Tabani Enrichment Fund is to offer financial assistance to young adults with Down Syndrome – 18 and older – who are continuing to enrich their lives by taking classes or enrolling in post-secondary educational programs.
CSS Profile: The CSS form is not mandatory, but if you would like to be considered by ClemsonLIFE for Grant-in-aids you will have to fill out the form. Clemson University’s School Code is 5111. Cost for the CSS Profile is $25 for the initial application and one college or program report. Each additional college report is $16. More information can be found on the College Board website.
Financial aid is available for students with intellectual disabilities attending post-secondary programs. The following are resources to explore:
Federal Student Aid: Students may be eligible for Federal Pell Grants receiving up to $6,495 per year. Here are resources on the steps to filling out the FAFSA form and things you need to know before filling out the FAFSA form.
South Carolina Commission on Higher Education- Transition Program Scholarship: If you are a South Carolina resident we encourage you to complete your FAFSA so you will receive the CTP scholarship from the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education. This scholarship is NOT need based. The requirements to receive funds from the CTP Scholarship are 1) they must be a US citizen or legal permanent resident, 2) a legal SC resident, and 3) be enrolled in a College Transition Program
South Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation Department: Students may be eligible for sponsorships.
Some independent organizations and groups have offered scholarship money to select students.
Ruby's Rainbow: Our goal at Ruby's Rainbow is to grant scholarships to adults with Down Syndrome seeking post-secondary education, enrichment or vocational classes who feel that higher education is the right choice for them.
O’Neill Tabani Enrichment Fund: The mission of the O’Neill Tabani Enrichment Fund is to offer financial assistance to young adults with Down Syndrome – 18 and older – who are continuing to enrich their lives by taking classes or enrolling in post-secondary educational programs.
CSS Profile: The CSS form is not mandatory, but if you would like to be considered by ClemsonLIFE for Grant-in-aids you will have to fill out the form. Clemson University’s School Code is 5111. Cost for the CSS Profile is $25 for the initial application and one college or program report. Each additional college report is $16. More information can be found on the College Board website.
College is not for everyone. However, many students desire a college experience, including students with intellectual disabilities. It is for this reason that many colleges and universities now offer Comprehensive Postsecondary Transition Programs, like ClemsonLIFE. These programs offer inclusive social activities; participation in college courses; along with instruction on independent living skills, employment skills, and social skills with the goal of independent living and gainful employment to the greatest extent possible for each student.
Think College is a great resource for families of students with intellectual disabilities considering college. For a searchable database of Available Comprehensive Postsecondary Transition Programs, see ThinkCollege Database.
Recent ClemsonLIFE Research
*Randall, K. N., Ryan, J. B., Hirsch, S., Allen, A. (in press). Effects of Self-Monitoring on the Self-Determination of Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disability in a Post-Secondary Educational Setting. Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities.
*Walters, S., *Stierle, J., *Stockwell, D., *Carlson, A., & Ryan, J.B., (2021). Efficacy of video prompting using mobile technology to teach employment tasks to individuals with intellectual disability. Journal of Inclusive Postsecondary Education. 3(1), 1-21.
*Randall, K. N., Ryan, J. B., *Stierle, J. N. *Walters (2021). Meal planner application efficacy for increasing meal planning independence in individuals with intellectual disability. Education and Training in Autism and Developmental Disabilities. 56(2), 225- 239.
*Randall, K. N., Ryan, J. B., *Stierle, J. N. *Walters, & S. Bridges, W. (2021). Evaluating and Enhancing Driving Skills for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities through Simulator Training. Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities, 36(4), 191-200.
*Randall, K. N., *Johnson, F., *Adams, S. E., *Kiss, C. W., & Ryan, J. B. (2020). Use of iPhone task analysis application to increase employment related chores for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Journal of Special Education Technology, 35(1), 26-36.
Ryan, J. B., *Randall, K.N., *Walters, E., & *Morash-MacNeil, V. (2019). Employment and independent living outcomes of a mixed model post-secondary education program for young adults with intellectual disabilities. Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, 50, 61-72.
*Morash-MacNeil, V., *Johnson, F., & Ryan, J. B. (2018). Effectiveness of assistive technology for individuals with intellectual disability in the workplace: A meta-analysis. Journal of Special Education Technology, 33(1), 15-26.
Collins, J. C., Ryan, J.B., Katsiyannis, A., Barrett, D. & Yell, M. (2014). Use of portable electronic assistive technology to improve independent job performance of young adults with an intellectual disability. Journal of Special Education Technology, 29(3), 15-30.
Hawkins, B.L., Stegall, J.B., Weber, M. & Ryan J.B. (2012). The Influence of a Yoga Exercise Program for Young Adults with Intellectual Disabilities. International Journal of Yoga, 5, 151-156.
Hughes, E., Green, J. & Ryan, J.B. (2011). The use of assistive technology to improve time management skills of a young adult with an intellectual disability. Journal of Special Education Technology, 26(3), 13-20.
*Co-author was a student at time of preparation
ClemsonLIFE | 101 Gantt Circle | Suite G-01 | Clemson University | Clemson, SC 29634 | 864-656-0501 | clemsonlife@g.clemson.edu
ClemsonLIFE also offers an employment based program, the Hospitality Certificate Program (HCP). HCP students will receive a combination of classroom and employment experiences to prepare for employment in the Hospitality Industry. This two year program provides graduates with a ClemsonLIFE Hospitality Certificate while having the opportunity to receive other training/certifications (e.g., CPR/AED, Hazmat, Customer Service).
Open House dates:
*Internship hours increase during Year Two.
*This is a sample schedule that is subject to change.
Mentors also meet with students on a weekly basis to support and encourage ClemsonLIFE HCP students. The 650+ Volunteers will be available for a plethora of activities with our students.
The ClemsonLIFE Program follows the University academic calendar, except for University exam weeks.
Fall 2022
Spring 2023
Hospitality Certificate Program provides young adults with cognitive disabilities the skills and competencies that will lead to a successful and fulfilling career in the Hospitality Industry. HCP students will receive a combination of classroom and employment experiences to prepare them for employment in the Hospitality Industry.
Hotel front of house - public area cleaner, receptionist; Hotel back of house - Housekeeper and houseperson; Restaurant front of house - greeter, food runner, busser, waiter/waitress; Restaurant back of house - steward/dishwasher. The jobs will continue to build depending on each individual student and their abilities during their second year.
Yes! Students can work after 3 pm during the week or on the weekends at a job that they find themselves.
The cost per-semester is listed below for the 2022/2023 school year.
The below fees are invoiced directly from the ClemsonLIFE program:
Program Fees
Covers costs associated with the ClemsonLIFE program (i.e. Operation Costs and Staff/Instructor Salaries) - $7,500
Student Budget Fees
Covers apartment groceries, laundry, attendance at sporting or theater events, field trips, etc. - Varies per student
University Fees
The below fees are paid directly to Clemson University and are included on the University bill:
Academic Fee
Covers tuition fees. All students are required to enroll in a three hour credit hour Clemson University PRTM class outlined by the HCP program..
Meal Plan (Optional for HCP)
The ClemsonLIFE meal plan is designed specifically for the ClemsonLIFE students for dining hall access.
*All fees reflect the cost for Fall 2023 and are subject to change.
Financial aid is available for students with intellectual disabilities attending post-secondary programs. The following are resources to explore:
Federal Student Aid: Students may be eligible for Federal Pell Grants receiving up to $6,495 per year. Here are resources on the steps to filling out the FAFSA form and things you need to know before filling out the FAFSA form.
South Carolina Commission on Higher Education- Transition Program Scholarship: If you are a South Carolina resident we encourage you to complete your FAFSA so you will receive the CTP scholarship from the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education. This scholarship is NOT need based. The requirements to receive funds from the CTP Scholarship are 1) they must be a US citizen or legal permanent resident, 2) a legal SC resident, and 3) be enrolled in a College Transition Program
South Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation Department: Students may be eligible for sponsorships.
Some independent organizations and groups have offered scholarship money to select students.
Ruby's Rainbow: Our goal at Ruby's Rainbow is to grant scholarships to adults with Down Syndrome seeking post-secondary education, enrichment or vocational classes who feel that higher education is the right choice for them.
O’Neill Tabani Enrichment Fund: The mission of the O’Neill Tabani Enrichment Fund is to offer financial assistance to young adults with Down Syndrome – 18 and older – who are continuing to enrich their lives by taking classes or enrolling in post-secondary educational programs.
CSS Profile: The CSS form is not mandatory, but if you would like to be considered by ClemsonLIFE for Grant-in-aids you will have to fill out the form. Clemson University’s School Code is 5111. Cost for the CSS Profile is $25 for the initial application and one college or program report. Each additional college report is $16. More information can be found on the College Board website.
sCollege is not for everyone. However, many students desire a college experience, including students with intellectual disabilities. It is for this reason that many colleges and universities now offer Comprehensive Postsecondary Transition Programs, like ClemsonLIFE. These programs offer inclusive social activities; participation in college courses; along with instruction on independent living skills, employment skills, and social skills with the goal of independent living and gainful employment to the greatest extent possible for each student.
Think College is a great resource for families of students with intellectual disabilities considering college. For a searchable database of Available Comprehensive Postsecondary Transition Programs, see ThinkCollege Database.
Recent ClemsonLIFE Research
*Randall, K. N., Ryan, J. B., Hirsch, S., Allen, A. (in press). Effects of Self-Monitoring on the Self-Determination of Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disability in a Post-Secondary Educational Setting. Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities.
*Walters, S., *Stierle, J., *Stockwell, D., *Carlson, A., & Ryan, J.B., (2021). Efficacy of video prompting using mobile technology to teach employment tasks to individuals with intellectual disability. Journal of Inclusive Postsecondary Education. 3(1), 1-21.
*Randall, K. N., Ryan, J. B., *Stierle, J. N. *Walters (2021). Meal planner application efficacy for increasing meal planning independence in individuals with intellectual disability. Education and Training in Autism and Developmental Disabilities. 56(2), 225- 239.
*Randall, K. N., Ryan, J. B., *Stierle, J. N. *Walters, & S. Bridges, W. (2021). Evaluating and Enhancing Driving Skills for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities through Simulator Training. Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities, 36(4), 191-200.
*Randall, K. N., *Johnson, F., *Adams, S. E., *Kiss, C. W., & Ryan, J. B. (2020). Use of iPhone task analysis application to increase employment related chores for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Journal of Special Education Technology, 35(1), 26-36.
Ryan, J. B., *Randall, K.N., *Walters, E., & *Morash-MacNeil, V. (2019). Employment and independent living outcomes of a mixed model post-secondary education program for young adults with intellectual disabilities. Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, 50, 61-72.
*Morash-MacNeil, V., *Johnson, F., & Ryan, J. B. (2018). Effectiveness of assistive technology for individuals with intellectual disability in the workplace: A meta-analysis. Journal of Special Education Technology, 33(1), 15-26.
Collins, J. C., Ryan, J.B., Katsiyannis, A., Barrett, D. & Yell, M. (2014). Use of portable electronic assistive technology to improve independent job performance of young adults with an intellectual disability. Journal of Special Education Technology, 29(3), 15-30.
Hawkins, B.L., Stegall, J.B., Weber, M. & Ryan J.B. (2012). The Influence of a Yoga Exercise Program for Young Adults with Intellectual Disabilities. International Journal of Yoga, 5, 151-156.
Hughes, E., Green, J. & Ryan, J.B. (2011). The use of assistive technology to improve time management skills of a young adult with an intellectual disability. Journal of Special Education Technology, 26(3), 13-20.
*Co-author was a student at time of preparation
ClemsonLIFE | 101 Gantt Circle | Suite G-01 | Clemson University | Clemson, SC 29634 | 864-656-0501 | clemsonlife@g.clemson.edu
Dr. Joe Ryan | Program Director
Sue Stanzione Distinguished Professorship for ClemsonLIFE
jbryan@clemson.edu
Erica Walters | Program Manager
escheff@g.clemson.edu
Kirri Nelson | Administrative Coordinator
kanelso@g.clemson.edu
Courtney Dukes | Freshmen Instructor
cmdukes@g.clemson.edu
Misty Swiney | Sophomore Instructor
mswiney@g.clemson.edu
Hunter Gossett | Junior Instructor
hgosset@g.clemson.edu
Kim Kempf | Senior Instructor
kzogran@g.clemson.edu
Katie Dobson | Basic Program Employment Instructor
kcooley@g.clemson.edu
Sarah McAlpine | Advanced Program Employment Instructor
skudevi@g.clemson.edu
Kelli Cooley | Hospitality Certificate Program Employment Instructor
kellic@g.clemson.edu
Lisa Wilson | Teaching Assistant
lnwilso@g.clemson.edu
Alex Carlson | Ph.D. Student – Special Education
acarls2@g.clemson.edu
Derek Gathercole | Independent Living Assistant
dgather@g.clemson.edu
Angelina Pesce | Independent Living Assistant
anpesce@g.clemson.edu
Frankie Antonelli
Josh Brown
Patrick Devitt
Chris Garcia
Ellie George
Graham Bitzer
Blakeley Kress
Ashley McCormick
Kendall Montgomery
Emily Parkey Ferguson
Mary Catherine Price
Tanner Smith
Tyler Trout
Kalim Wigfall
Noah Wynne
Amanda Altemus
Grace Clements
Nataleigh Deal
Taylor Freeman
Ross Hicks
Hunter Hopkins
Bryson Marsh
Lauren Peterson
Emily Terzich
Jon Wesley Barber
Katie Beck
Davian Dean
Madi Dolby
Alex Eveland
Nicolas Geoffroy
Jessica Giddens
Katherine Jones
Zachary Kroeger
Kevin Mackey
Anne McGuire
Ryan Mosley
Leah Shelton
Alana Spencer