Applications are now open for admission into the University of Tennessee at Martin Skyhawks Achieving In Life (SAIL) program for students with intellectual disabilities for the fall 2026 semester, which begins Aug. 24.
The SAIL program was created last June and is funded through a Tennessee Believes grant provided through the Tennessee Department of Disability and Aging. The program provides access to the college experience for students with intellectual disabilities age 18 to 26.
The UT Martin program is coordinated by Cassie Luna and is overseen by Dr. Clinton Smith, chair of the Department of Educational Studies, and Dr. Will Gibson of the UTM Accessibility Resource Center.
SAIL students have the opportunity to take undergraduate audit courses at UT Martin that allow them to learn alongside their peers in subjects that spark their interests and support their goals. Students take on-campus classes taught by SAIL faculty that center on independence and work readiness. SAIL provides students with a certificate from UT Martin that can be earned in two years.
The primary goal of SAIL is to increase the employability of its students. SAIL students take part in internships to gain transferable skills that provide valuable work experience. The work relationships that are built within the internships will also be references for job applications.
The SAIL program represents a transformative opportunity for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. By integrating academic growth, independent living skills and career readiness, the program will equip students with the tools necessary to achieve independence, employability and personal fulfillment.
The SAIL program is not just about education; it is about empowerment, ensuring that each student leaves the program with confidence, skills and a strong foundation for lifelong success.
The SAIL experience is designed to make a lasting difference in four key ways:
• Opening access to higher education by providing new academic, vocational and social learning opportunities where traditional pathways may have been limited.
• Improving life outcomes; research shows that students in similar programs achieve higher levels of employment, independent living and self-determination.
• Fostering belonging and social growth by encouraging participation in campus life – including classes, clubs and events – to build confidence, friendships and support networks.
• Supporting the transition to independence by emphasizing daily living skills, self-advocacy and decision-making to prepare students for life beyond.
“Inclusive higher education programs foster an environment that goes beyond mere representation of students with intellectual and developmental disabilities on college and university campuses,” said Smith. “These programs help to remove barriers and provide students with intellectual and developmental disabilities an opportunity to achieve their desired outcomes in a manner similar to students without disabilities.”
The SAIL program welcomes visitors throughout the year. SAIL representatives are especially interested in meeting with prospective students, their teachers and families. To arrange a visit, contact Luna at cluna3@utm.edu.
To apply for a spot in the UT Martin SAIL program for the fall 2026 semester, go to admissions.utm.edu/register/SAIL and register by Sunday, March 1. For more information, contact Luna at cluna3@utm.edu or call 731-881-7218.
For more information about UT Martin, visit www.utm.edu or call 1-800-829-UTM1 (-8861).
