UT Martin SAIL

SAIL Orientation is here! Ready to learn more about navigating campus and UTM! We’re excited you are here! St. John's Community Services Tennessee Department of Disability and Aging University of Tennessee at Martin

Great advice for our SAIL students and their families.

We are getting closer! Here are a few more tips to share:

1. Today’s tip is a pro-packing tip. When you load the car, truck, van, U-Haul, horse trailer, or whatever your family is bringing, keep essential items on top and easy to locate for quick use. Things like toilet paper, soap, paper towels, etc. That’s because you do NOT want to have to search for those things when they are needed immediately.

2. Students are excited and you are excited (perhaps for different reasons). Remember this is a process. They do not become mature college students overnight. Four months ago, they had to raise their hands to go to the bathroom, and now they are being asked to make lifelong career decisions. It is a process. It takes time to learn how to study, how to play, how to do laundry, how to handle money, and how to manage ourselves. Some lessons will be learned by trial and error, just like many of us did when we were learning to be adults. “You can do this. You belong here” are powerful words.

Registration day is here! Welcome to the Nest!

Some of our SAIL students are on campus and have moved into their apartment! Seth and Aiden have already toured campus and Martin. Say hey to them if you see them out and about.

Grateful for our Skyhawk Volleyball and Basketball players for making them feel welcome! UT Martin Athletics St. John's Community Services

📚 The research is clear: 💡 postsecondary education leads to higher employment rates and increased wages for people with intellectual disability, and long-term cost savings for supporting them. 💪 Learn more about the data in our publication "From Learning to Earning: The Impact of Postsecondary Education on Employment for Individuals with Intellectual Disability," at https://tcollege.me/4sPWCJf!

💰🎓 Paying for college can feel overwhelming—but there are more funding opportunities available than many students and families may realize!

From vocational rehabilitation funding and scholarships to federal financial aid and other supports, there are a variety of pathways that can help make college more accessible for students with intellectual disability. Our Paying for College resource page brings together tools, guidance, and funding information to help you explore your options and plan for success. 🤝 Check it out & dive into the resources today at https://thinkcollege.net/resources/resources-by-topic/paying-for-college!

Check out our Skyhawks Achieving in Life program today!

Students with Down syndrome can go to college—and more and more are doing just that.

Across the country, inclusive postsecondary education programs are giving students with intellectual disability the opportunity to experience college life, gain career skills, build independence, and form lasting connections.

These programs show what’s possible when expectations are high and access is real.

Whether you're a student, family member, or educator, now is the time to explore these opportunities and start planning for the future.

👉 Learn more about inclusive college options and resources at:
www.thinkhighered.net

Real independence starts with a place to call home—and powerful partnerships make it possible.

Through the collaboration between the UTM SAIL Program, St. John's Community Services, Skyhawk Rentals, and The Nest at Martin, SAIL students will experience true independent living in an inclusive, supportive environment. By living at The Nest, SAIL students aren’t just gaining housing—they’re building life skills, confidence, and meaningful connections alongside their peers.

This partnership is opening doors to everyday experiences that matter: managing routines, sharing space, forming friendships, and fully participating in campus life.

This is more than housing—this is belonging. 💙🧡

University of Tennessee at Martin
Tennessee Department of Disability and Aging