Many believe that everyone deserves a chance at education no matter the race, gender, or disability. Disabled students have been given a place at the University to excel and perform as students: TigerLIFE.
"Everyone can be a valuable asset to our community when given the proper tools. TigerLIFE provides this as a way for the students to succeed while learning through interactions with others," said Chrisann Schiro-Geist, director of the U of M Institute on Disability.
TigerLIFE is a two-year certification program, administered by the University of Memphis Institute on Disability, for students with disabilities that provides individualized programs of study in areas of education, vocational training and social skills. While promoting success in college, the program also focuses on employment opportunities for students once the program is completed.
"Unlike many students, the ones involved with the program are not in college to get a degree, but to focus on finding work once the program comes to an end to learn to become independent as they transition into the world of work," Geist said.
The application for TigerLIFE is an open web application containing certain criteria that must be met. Once applied, the student's portfolio is reviewed and scored by three special education practitioners.
"The detailed rubric states that the student applying must be 18 to 29 years old, have a developed disability, must be able to function independently, must have insurance, a means of transportation, and others. Eight students have been accepted into the TigerLIFE program since its beginning in January 2013," said Maurice Williams, administrative operations director at UMID.
Once involved with TigerLIFE, students have opportunities in developing skills necessary for life after finishing the program. Not only do the TigerLIFE students have the chance to learn, but other students have the chance to better themselves through the program as well.
"For University students it provides a great opportunity for students in the Counseling Education Psychology Research, Rehabilitation and Special Education departments to gain great practicum experience," Williams said. "For students in the program it provides a college environment that can aid in development through inclusion with like peers in developing social skills appropriate for young adults and other areas for workforce readiness."
While providing help to the students, TigerLIFE can also be seen as a way of promoting a different aspect of diversity on campus.
"The University is already known for being a fairly diverse campus with a variety of ethnicities and areas of studies. This program can be seen as a new aspect of diversity and shows that everyone is important here," Geist said.
TigerLIFE has given students the ability to prosper while providing tools and experiences that can help those succeed after finishing the program.
"As a retiree, an alumni and a current doctorate student it gives me great pride to know that my home is leading the way with Vandy and UT, to help yet one more group of our citizen family gain presence and voice at the one place that has room for everyone seeking to research and create theories that lead into actions that change the lives of the least among us," Williams said.
