An EDI Committee Presentation of the
Life Skills Training Center at Washington State School for the Blind
Our EDI Committee invites you to a hybrid presentation highlighting the Award-Winning Life Skills Center at the Washington State School for the Blind.
Join us on Zoom or come to the Center for Architecture to watch our West-Coast–based speaker streamed live!
Historically, people experiencing disability have been segregated and excluded from mainstream spaces. With nondisabled participants comprising the majority of most design teams, there's often a lack of inclusive practices that address the needs of those with varied sensory abilities. This session will feature a case study of the new Life Skills Training Center at the Washington State School for the blind to provide practical insights and actionable strategies to enhance the accessibility and inclusivity of the built environment.
Learning Objectives:
- Explore how varied sensory abilities impact the experience of the built environment, resulting in spaces that undermine the health and well-being of under-supported individuals.
- Examine practices for engagement and critical dialogue facilitating an inclusive exploration of spaces, including supporting the participation of individuals experiencing blindness or low vision.
- Learn how to articulate the amenities needed to equitably support the built environment and to identify resources and tools to support these spatial solutions.
- Discover how broadening our design toolkit to include multisensory design strategies can create a built environment that better supports people experiencing disability.
Presenter: Kim Olson, AIA, DBIA, Principal, Mahlum Architects
Joining Mahlum in 2013, Kim brings over 22 years of experience in the field of architecture. Kim has a passion for design that enriches the living, learning, and healing environments for all.
She takes pride in listening to the needs of all constituents through the design process, and her work is rooted in the belief that buildings can support stronger communities when they explore and celebrate the rich diversity of the human condition.
Kim has a Masters Degree in Architecture from Tulane University, and is a Registered Architect in Oregon.
AIA/CEU: This session qualifies for 1 AIA/CES LU (HSW)
COST: Select one of the below options at registration.
- Free for hybrid attendees and for anyone attending in‑person who does not want food or drinks
- $15 for in‑person attendees who would like food provided.
A variety of bento boxes will be provided from Mamaya
PARKING: Click here for parking suggestions.
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Price range: $0.00 through $15.00
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