ClemsonLIFE Capstone Experience

Explore the mission and structure of the Clemson Life program for individuals with disabilities and how it supports independent living, employment, and social participation on and beyond campus.

Explore ClemsonLIFE's inclusive higher education model, integrating academics, independent living, and vocational training into Clemson University life, with social activities and community collaboration fostering belonging and lifelong independence.

Find resilience and support through long roads and when you're feeling low or alone, as the speaker lifts you up, promises companionship, and reassures everything will be alright.

Perform a needs assessment with Clemson Life to identify gaps and growth opportunities that support students and staff, and review Heoa-driven trends in employment, independent living, and social integration.

A literature review shows postsecondary education for individuals with IDD improves employment and independent living skills, supported by programs like Clemson Life and Taft's College Transition to Independent Living Program.

The capstone advocates strengthening delivery of independent living skills at Clemson Life, emphasizing apartment living and hands-on instruction in budgeting, meal prep, household management, and transportation to build self-sufficiency.

Explore how occupational therapy enhances vocational skills and independent living for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities, promotes collaboration with Clemson Life, and supports transition planning and self-advocacy.

This lecture presents a framework using the person-environment-occupation model and self-determination theory to tailor Clemson Life interventions that boost autonomy, competence, and relatedness for academic, vocational, and independent living skills.

Explore collaborative community engagement and occupation across the lifespan in Clemson Life, equipping students with independence, daily living, academic achievement, and vocational skills.

Empower Clemson Life students to gain independence in meal prep through a hands-on kitchen assistive technology workshop with jar openers, adaptive knives, and cutting aids.

Explore a second learning objective that builds a supportive, ethical environment for students and staff, using surveys of volunteers and independent living assistants to drive advocacy and continuous improvement.

Develop individualized learning objectives and strategies to promote independence for students with intellectual disabilities. Collaborate with staff during job-site rotations, modeling tasks and providing tailored feedback while tracking progress.

ClemsonLIFE capstone experience provides a weekly schedule of apartment living, cooking, budgeting, and job-site rotations, plus equine therapy and community engagement, to build independence, practical skills, and confidence.

Watch videos from equine therapy and adaptive sports featured in the ClemsonLIFE capstone experience, including sessions with HCP students and Tuesday visits.

Answering questions about ClemsonLIFE capstone experiences, the lecture covers budgeting, assistive kitchen tools, hands-on kitchen practice, resource guidance, and basic math skills like price comparison and counting money.

I thank my supervisor Kelly Cooley, program coordinator Erika Walters, primary supervisor Courtney Dukes, Lisa Wilson, my parents, sister Emily, and all Clemson Life supporters, volunteers, mentors, and drivers.