USCA LIFE partners with employers to expand opportunities for students with disabilities

The University of South Carolina Aiken’s LIFE (Learning is For Everyone) program partnered with the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce (SC DEW) to host its inaugural employer summit on March 20 in the Student Activities Center.

The event welcomed more than a dozen employers and organizations from across the region, including representatives from McDonald’s, the Tri-Development Center of Aiken Co. and more. Attendees shared valuable insights on career pathways, current job openings and the skills employers are seeking in today’s workforce.

The summit underscored the growing collaboration between the USCA LIFE program and SC DEW, both dedicated to expanding employment opportunities for students with intellectual disabilities.

“We had two primary goals for our first employer summit. First, we wanted to raise awareness of the program across the region and the state. Secondly, we wanted to help connect our students with potential employers for future jobs,” said Dr. Melissa Martin, director of USCA LIFE.

Martin also emphasized the importance of access and opportunity, noting that nationally, only about 18% of individuals with intellectual disabilities obtain and maintain employment after completing K-12 education. In contrast, approximately 85% of LIFE program graduates secure employment. “These individuals just need access and an opportunity,” she said.

Among the organizations represented was the Tri-Development Center of Aiken County, Inc., where Director of Human Resources Shay Smith described her participation in the summit as a full-circle moment. As a 2001 USCA graduate with degrees in psychology and sociology, Smith expressed strong support for the LIFE program and its mission.

“We welcome being a part of that work program and helping students gain experience,” Smith said. “They’re encouraged to apply online or in person, and we assist in pairing them with departments that best suit their needs.”

She explained that students interested in administrative roles may work with human resources, while those drawn to hands-on caregiving can gain experience through the organization’s vocational programs. “We absolutely love it; we think USCA LIFE is a great program. We really believe in inclusivity in the community and helping individuals grow, gain quality work experience, and develop their skills,” Smith added.

Smith also shared a personal connection with the work. After experiencing a serious car accident during her freshman year that temporarily affected her ability to walk and speak, she developed a deep passion for supporting individuals with disabilities. “This work is very personal to me,” she said. “It’s why I wanted to work with Tri-Development Center, to help individuals with different abilities gain independence.”

She added that programs like USCA LIFE not only benefit students, but employers as well. “Participants come ready to work and do a good job, and employers are partnering with a well-established program,” Smith said.

Sarah Michlovitz, a transition counselor with Vocational Rehabilitation, also attended the summit and highlighted the role her organization plays in supporting individuals with disabilities.

“What we do is assist individuals with disabilities in obtaining and maintaining competitive employment,” Michlovitz said. “We usually start working with individuals while they’re still in high school, providing training and helping them build skills so they can secure employment after graduation.”

She noted that many students entering the LIFE program already have a foundation through Vocational Rehabilitation services, allowing them to continue strengthening essential skills.

“Since joining the LIFE program, they’ve continued building important skills — especially independent living skills, which are essential,” she said. “The program helps them become more independent, take on responsibility and prepare for adulthood. All the classes and experiences they have really help them get ready for these opportunities.”

Michlovitz also addressed one of the common challenges within the program, transportation. While Vocational Rehabilitation does not directly provide transportation, she explained that financial assistance may be available in certain cases.

“If an individual obtains employment, we may be able to provide a stipend depending on their financial situation,” she said. “Aiken doesn’t have a lot of transportation options, but we do our best to help individuals find and access whatever resources are available.”

Together, the summit demonstrated the power of collaboration in creating pathways to meaningful employment and independence for students with disabilities, while also strengthening connections between educational programs and local employers.

Employers interested in hiring students from the program are encouraged to contact [email protected] for more information.

The event was also covered by the Augusta Business Daily. 

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