Wayfinders helping students live independently

Fresno State is a school that values distinction and inclusion. The Wayfinders program makes sure that students with intellectual disabilities can live an independent life and have a rich college experience.  

With Wayfinders, students practice independent living skills and vocational skills that will help them transition living independently.

Director Shail Lopez-Ortiz says she is passionate about students with intellectual disabilities.

“Our goal is that they are productive citizens of the community of their choosing as well as hopefully find themselves with competitive employment,” Ortiz says.

Students between the ages of 18 and 28 take catalog courses and live in the Palazzo apartments where case managers like Gabriel Diaz make frequent visits to check up on them and make sure they are cooking, cleaning and attending classes.

“Our goal as of right now is to give much support but also have the students work for themselves as well,” Diaz says. “I’m excited to see where they end up, but it is something that we will track moving forward and see where our students are going.”

Freshman Leland McCallister is in the Wayfinders program. 

“Honestly, I’m still trying to figure it out myself and hopefully find some good connections to other things that I will be able to get involved with in the future,” McCallister says.  “In terms of building my resume and work experience, volunteering, and plenty of other organizations that I would like to see myself be involved with. “

McCallister and the other students in the Wayfinders program have a bright future ahead and are on their way to a more independent life.