News Summary
Thirteen students from USC Aiken’s USCA LIFE program are set to graduate, marking a historic commencement for individuals with intellectual disabilities. The program, aimed at providing a comprehensive college experience, enables students to gain practical skills and social engagement. Graduates will receive a PACER credential, recognizing their achievements. With a focus on inclusivity, USC Aiken plans to expand enrollment in the upcoming semester. This initiative highlights the strides being made towards providing quality education to students with intellectual disabilities.
Aiken, South Carolina – Thirteen students set to graduate from the USC Aiken’s USCA LIFE program will partake in a historic commencement ceremony on May 7. This program, which stands for “Learning Is For Everyone,” is a two-year initiative designed specifically for students with intellectual disabilities, aiming to provide them with a comprehensive college experience.
The graduates will receive a PACER credential, which stands for “Promoting Academic and Community Readiness.” This credential acknowledges their achievements in key areas such as academics, employment, independent living, and social engagement. The students have actively participated in all facets of campus life, including living in dormitories, attending classes, holding jobs, and joining student clubs, while also developing their social skills.
Melissa Martin, the associate professor and director of the USCA LIFE program, has described the graduates as “trailblazers” who have made significant contributions to the campus environment. The represented disabilities among the graduates include Down syndrome, autism, and various intellectual disabilities as classified by IQ levels or adaptability skills. The increase in social interaction and community engagement is emphasized within the program, which requires students to engage socially for at least two hours each week outside of their structured activities.
The program includes support from Life Resident Assistants (LRAs), who serve as peer mentors and reside with the PACER students in the dorms. This mentorship helps students develop friendships and feel more integrated into the campus community. The role of LRAs has been noted as vital in fostering a sense of belonging and inclusion among the students.
All students enrolled in the USCA LIFE program are required to hold jobs, which not only helps them gain practical work experience but also builds their resumes. This job training is crucial, as studies indicate that the employment success rate for individuals with intellectual disabilities can rise significantly, from 18% to as much as 83%, following participation in programs like this one.
Financially, the USCA LIFE program operates at an annual cost of nearly $40,000 per student. Support for this expense is provided through state scholarships and grants, with South Carolina offering a $10,000 scholarship for each resident in the program. Additional financial assistance options are also made available to participants, ensuring accessibility to education for those with intellectual disabilities.
USC Aiken continues to champion inclusivity, with plans for increased student enrollment in the next semester. Over 30 new students are anticipated to join the USCA LIFE program, which is one of only six similar programs in South Carolina, drawing inspiration from successful models in other universities. The program has demonstrated effectiveness not only in terms of employment but also in promoting social engagement and friendship building among its students.
Graduates of the USCA LIFE program have expressed gratitude for their college experience, highlighting their journey towards independence, opportunities to socialize, and overall personal growth. As they prepare to graduate, these remarkable students exemplify progress toward understanding and supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities in higher education.
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Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: USCA LIFE Program Graduation
- WJBF: USC Aiken Launching Program
- WIS TV: New Journey for Friends with Down Syndrome
- Wikipedia: Intellectual Disability
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Intellectual Disability
