College program helps metro students with intellectual disabilities learn, live independently

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CLEMSON, S.C. — As young men and women prepare to go back to college campus this fall, Channel 2 Action News explored a program that’s helping some metro Atlanta students who have intellectual disabilities go to class, learn and live independently.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention latest data collection estimated 1 in 44 children has been identified with autism spectrum disorder.

Marietta Davis is a metro Atlanta mother who has two sons with autism. She’s an advocate, public speaker, and author on the topic.

“I was adamant I was going to integrate him into a normal environment as much as I could,” Davis said.

She told Channel 2′s Fred Blankenship she knew something was different when her son Tyler was born.

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That environment was Clemson University. Specifically, ClemsonLIFE.

The program accepts roughly a dozen students each fall semester. It’s built for young men and women with intellectual disabilities such as autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy and other diagnoses.

The university accepted Tyler to the program and his life changed. Davis told us he’s independent, has a job, manages his own checking account, and decided to stay in the Clemson community.

ClemsonLIFE integrates lessons for independent living into a normal experience.

Students learn how to cook, do laundry, manage money, create a resume and get a job. Students live in dorms with three other ClemsonLIFE classmates and one traditional student.

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North Georgia native, Lily Moore, is already an actress and advocate for people who have Down syndrome. As an incoming freshman, she has her sights on learning skills to work in healthcare.

She also told us she’s looking forward to the college experience including “the dorm rooms and the athletic clubs.”

Channel 2 also spoke with Colleen and Chuck Hicks of Alpharetta. Their son, Ross, is a rising sophomore with ClemsonLIFE.

Chuck Hicks said his son’s demeanor changed within that first year. He too, is independent and looking forward to employment in Clemson, SC.

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Program manager, Erica Walters said there are more than 30 former ClemsonLIFE graduates who remain in the community. Part of the reason is the strong relationship the school has with local businesses. They partner with the university to find students jobs.

Channel 2 spoke with Graham Bitzer. He’s a Duluth native who now calls Clemson, SC home. Bitzer got a job at a hotel. He told Channel 2 he helps the maintenance team and enjoys being known in the community.

Clemson University offers scholarships and financial aid. There are more than three-hundred similar programs across the country including eight in Georgia. Walters told us parents need to research and apply early.

ThinkCollege.net is a great resource that includes information on programs by state, a contact for each one, and information on financial aid.

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