Wichita State LIFE (Learning Independence for Future Employment) Program

Wichita State LIFE (Learning Independence for Future Employment) is a two-year, non-degree postsecondary program that supports adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities as they build academic, career, independent living, and social skills for meaningful employment and engaged adult life. Through individualized instruction, applied learning, and partnerships with campus, industry, and community organizations, students develop self-determination and prepare for competitive, integrated employment. Participants take university catalog courses each semester and have access to campus resources, inclusive experiences, and peer mentorship, along with intentional support for social and leisure skills. Wichita State LIFE is offered at a market-based tuition rate to help keep the program affordable and accessible.

The Wichita LIFE program is in collaboration with the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, in particular, the Consortium for Autism and Related Disorders (CARD).

Program Staff
Title Name
Program Director Reagan Murnan, PhD
Director of Instruction & Assessment M. Renee Patrick, PhD, MSHM
Director of Research & Evaluation Victoria Koop, PhD
Program Assistant Sarah Lamatsch
Market-based Tuition Academic Program Specialist & Placement Coordinator Tierra Knox, M.S.Ed.

Wichita State LIFE Program of Study 

YEAR 1

FALL SEMESTER (7-9 CREDITS)

Course

Number

 Course Title Credit Hours/Length
TALS 010 Skills for College Success 1 (16 weeks)
TALS 011 Transition Skills for Independence I 3 (16 weeks)
TALS 012 Career Exploration 2 (16 weeks)
  Exploration Electives 1-3 (16 weeks)
SPRING SEMESTER (8-10 CREDITS)

Course

Number

 Course Title Credit Hours/Length
TALS 021 Transition Skills for Independence II 3 (16 weeks)
TALS 022 Workplace Readiness I 2 (16 weeks)
TALS 023 Career Internship I 2 (16 weeks)
  Exploration Electives 1-3 (16 weeks)
SUMMER SEMESTER (4-6 CREDITS)

Course

Number

 Course Title Credit Hours/Length
TALS 030 Person Centered Planning Seminar I 1 (8 weeks)
TALS 033 Career Internship II 2 (8 weeks)
  Recreation/Leisure Electives 1-3 (8 weeks)

YEAR 2

FALL SEMESTER (8-10 CREDITS)

Course

Number

 Course Title Credit Hours/Length
TALS 041 Transition Skills for Independence III 3 (16 weeks)
TALS 042 Workplace Readiness II 2 (16 weeks)
TALS 043 Career Internship III 2 (16 weeks)
  Exploration Electives 1-3 (16 weeks)
SPRING SEMESTER (8-10 CREDITS)

Course

Number

 Course Title Credit Hours/Length
TALS 051 Transition Skills for Independence IV 3 (16 weeks)
TALS 052 Workplace Readiness III 2 (16 weeks)
TALS 053 Career Internship IV 2 (16 weeks)
  Exploration Electives 1-3 (16 weeks)

** Reverse Job Fair (Late April)

** Commencement (May)

SUMMER SEMESTER (2 CREDITS)

Course

Number

 Course Title Credit Hours/Length
TALS 060 Person Centered Planning Seminar II 2 (8 weeks)

** Students create person-centered exit plan and leave well-connected to needed services.

Admissions

When applying for admission to Wichita LIFE, students must have:

  • Documentation of an intellectual disability, with significant limitations in intellectual functioning and in adaptive behavior, as defined by the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD). “Intellectual disability is a disability characterized by significant limitations both in intellectual functioning and in adaptive behavior as expressed in conceptual, social, and practical adaptive skills. This disability originates before the age of 18” (AAIDD)
  • A primary disability that is cognitive, not behavioral or emotional
  • Previous eligibility for IDEA services while in school; has/had an IEP
  • The ability to independently self-administer and manage medication, specialized dietary, and/or medical needs. Note: Wichita LIFE personnel are not available to manage/administer medication and take no responsibility for specialized diets or medical needs
  • A functional reading ability – able to respond to emails, texts and read functional lists such as a grocery list (approx. 3rd grade)
  • Basic mathematics understanding; can use a calculator
  • Skills to utilize technology (cell phone, laptop, etc.) on a basic level
  • An age that is between 18-26 years old upon admission to the program
  • Independence, motivation and stability
  • The ability to function independently for a sustained period of time
  • Sociability and comfort engaging with others
  • The ability to handle changes in routine and demonstrate flexibility in fluctuating circumstances
  • The ability to accept direction and respond appropriately to authority
  • The ability to accept personal responsibility for actions and maintain respect for self and others
  • An enjoyment of learning
  • The potential to be successful in competitive employment situations. We highly recommend employment, or at least volunteer, experience before entering the program
  • The desire and motivation to participate in a college experience
  • Parents/caregivers who will support their independence

Required Documents

  • Psychological report within the last 3 years (tests include: IQ, Adaptive, Social/Emotional)
  • Transcript
  • Most recent IEP
  • Behavior records (if no records exist, please send a letter from school on official letterhead stating so)
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Medical physical
Applications for Fall 2026 will open soon!