Fresno State Wayfinders helps students build independence

FRESNO, Calif. – For Fresno State freshman Sophia Thompson, going to college is about more than attending classes. It is also about learning how to live independently.

Thompson is a participant in Fresno State’s Wayfinders program, a two-year program that helps students with intellectual and developmental disabilities develop skills for greater independence by offering them jobs on campus and having student housing around campus.

“I want to learn how to truly be independent,” Thompson said. “Like, pay for things by myself, cook by myself, and do all sorts of things by myself.”

Thompson said she was both nervous and excited when she found out she had been accepted into Wayfinders. Leaving home was one of the things that made her nervous, but since joining the program, she has already started learning how to handle responsibilities on her own.

“I learned how to pay for my own ticket to see a movie,” Thompson proudly stated.

Building independence through Wayfinders

Those everyday experiences are an important part of Wayfinders. Ryan Wilson, the program’s transition coordinator, said the goal is to prepare students to live more independently after completing the program.

“We are helping students develop independence in life,” Wilson said. “The goal for when our students leave our program is that they can walk into an independent life.”

Wayfinders has been at Fresno State for 14 years and currently has about 40 students between its two cohorts, according to Wilson. Each cohort spends two years in the program before a new group enters.

Participants work on several aspects of independent living, including education, employment and developing a social life.

Wilson said the college experience is also an important part of the program. Wayfinders students can take classes across Fresno State in areas that interest them, including communication, music and art.

“We really want them then to be with their peers, to have that college experience,” Wilson said.

That experience extends beyond the classroom.

During one Wayfinders workshop, students looked through opportunities to sign up for Fresno State clubs and campus events. Activities that may seem like a normal part of college life can give Wayfinders participants another opportunity to get involved on campus and make their own choices.

Finding support at Fresno State

Freshman Tristram Day-Schott said one thing that has helped him adjust to the program is knowing support is available when he needs it.

“You have a lot of support in the program,” Day-Schott said. “You can talk to pretty much anybody if you need to.”

Day-Schott’s schedule includes classes, workshops, work and chores. He said he hopes to become an environmentalist because he cares about the environment.

Preparing for life after Wayfinders

The program also tracks former students for 10 years after they leave. Wilson said former participants have gone on to live independently, work full time and continue their education while striving to reach their long-term goals.

For Thompson, those long-term goals begin with learning everyday skills.

Her daily routine can include making her bed, eating breakfast, getting dressed, taking the bus to campus and keeping track of chores and other responsibilities. She said keeping track of her time is already becoming easier.

Ultimately, Thompson knows what she wants her independence to look like.

Her dream is simple: “Living in my own home with no one but me.”

You can follow the journey of current students on the Wayfinders Instagram page and stay up to date with stories around Fresno at FresnoStateFocus.com.