From the Greenville, SC, News:

The University of South Carolina and Clemson University are starting up programs for students with intellectual disabilities, with the goal of helping the students become productive, independent citizens. Each school is accepting three students at first, and enrollment is expected to grow over time.

While students graduate with certificates rather than diplomas, research shows they will be more employable and find jobs “that pay a little more money,” said Karen Pettus, director of USC’s Student Disability services office. “The opportunity to participate in programs like this has opened a lot of doors.”

Students will pay tuition, and will attend some classes with the general student population and others tailored just for them. Carolina Life and ClemsonLIFE were developed by the College Transition Connection, the National Down Syndrome Society, and the Center for Disability Resources at USC.

See also: Getting a life at Clemson gives special kids a chance –  Anderson, SC, Independent Mail-News

(Anderson Independent Mail-News photo)

UPDATE: The Greenville News carries a feature on the Clemson program: Special Clemson students join higher education trend

This entry was posted on Wednesday, September 10th, 2008 at 3:14 pm and is filed under Down syndrome, independent living, intellectual/developmental disabilities, post-secondary education. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.  Email This Post