The Occupational & Life Skills Bellevue College (OLSBC) Disability Awareness course is designed to increase students’ understanding of disabilities and self-determine disability-related needs through research and reflection. In addition, this course helps students to be better prepared for self-advocating in the community and at the workplace.
Second-year students enrolled in the course had the opportunity to visit the Inclusive Tech Lab on the Microsoft Campus. Students were able to explore assistive and adaptive technologies, inclusively designed products, and sensory experiences. The Inclusive Tech Lab is a Microsoft space dedicated to inclusive modern life and education, accessible productivity, and gaming for people with disabilities. The facility is for people with disabilities, not about people with disabilities, and was crafted to be an expression of Microsoft’s commitment to the disability community.
What OLSBC Students Said About the Activity
“I enjoyed hanging out in the sensory area,” said one student, “as well as learning how Microsoft’s Inclusive Tech Lab creates accessible technology for people with disabilities.”
Another student reflected, “I enjoyed seeing what Microsoft does to help out people with disabilities, and they’re able to feel normal and not be an outcast.”
Thank you for having us, Microsoft Inclusive Tech Lab!
About the OLSBC Disability Awareness Course
Disability Awareness is taken in the second year of the OLSBC program and is one of the many courses students take to earn their associate degree. In this course, students gain awareness of different types of disabilities within the community, reflect upon their disability and when and how to disclose this information.
About Occupational & Life Skills Bellevue College
Occupational & Life Skills Bellevue College (OLSBC) is an associate degree program for students with learning disabilities. In our uniquely supportive skills-based program, students apply academic knowledge through community activities, service learning and social experiences. Students identify a career pathway, gain marketable, workplace-ready competencies, develop better interpersonal skills and complete an internship in alignment with their career goals.
Learn more about our program at an upcoming Information Session, open to all prospective students, family members/guardians, educators, counselors and other service providers. Come learn why OLS Bellevue College is one of the best colleges for students with learning disabilities.
Last Updated May 30, 2023