Pro Parents (Winter 2008) -- Sean Tuck can’t wait to go to college. He can’t wait to move out of his parents’ home and into an apartment with his college roommates. Is he worried about living on his own?
“It’s been too long I’ve lived with my mom and dad,” he said. “I’m excited. It’s going to be like my home away from home.” But then, with a shrug and a laugh, he said there are two things he’s not good at. “I can’t cook,” he said, rolling his eyes. “And I’m not good at banking.”
So how is that different from most other college students? It’s not, but Sean is.
Sean, 21 of Greenville, has Williams syndrome — a rare genetic condition, estimated to occur in 1 of every 7,500 births, which causes medical and developmental problems. But Sean gives very little indication of someone who is labeled “intellectually disabled.”
Bright, funny, and friendly, Sean is one of three area charter students in Clemson’s new LIFE program. Sharon Sanders, program manager, said the program is a college school-to-job transition for these youths, just like all high school graduates.
The program is one of more than 100 across the country, she said, and the third in South Carolina. Currently the plan at Clemson is for LIFE students to live in four-bedroom apartments near campus – three students with a supervisor.
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“It’s been too long I’ve lived with my mom and dad,” he said. “I’m excited. It’s going to be like my home away from home.” But then, with a shrug and a laugh, he said there are two things he’s not good at. “I can’t cook,” he said, rolling his eyes. “And I’m not good at banking.”
So how is that different from most other college students? It’s not, but Sean is.
Sean, 21 of Greenville, has Williams syndrome — a rare genetic condition, estimated to occur in 1 of every 7,500 births, which causes medical and developmental problems. But Sean gives very little indication of someone who is labeled “intellectually disabled.”
Bright, funny, and friendly, Sean is one of three area charter students in Clemson’s new LIFE program. Sharon Sanders, program manager, said the program is a college school-to-job transition for these youths, just like all high school graduates.
The program is one of more than 100 across the country, she said, and the third in South Carolina. Currently the plan at Clemson is for LIFE students to live in four-bedroom apartments near campus – three students with a supervisor.
To View the Entire Article, Please Click on the Title Above
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