Work-Based Learning

Work-based learning experiences can help students make career decisions, select courses of study, develop job skills, and network with potential employers. For students with disabilities, work-based learning experiences provide a unique opportunity to explore different, job-related accommodations, and to practice disclosing their disabilities and requesting accommodations from employers.

Writing Assignments

For many students with disabilities, written assignments and exams present significant difficulties. Mobility impairments may make writing physically difficult, while visual impairments may impact a student's access to standard word processing programs and computers. Research (e.g., accessing library resources) and the writing process (e.g., spelling and grammar) may also be difficult due to mobility, hearing, language, or learning disabilities.

Assistive Technology

For many students with disabilities, accessing and using standard computers and electronic resources can be challenging. For example, a student with a spinal cord injury may be unable to use a standard mouse and keyboard.

Chris's Journey from Student to Mentor

I believe that early work- and career-related experiences play crucial roles in people's abilities to have successful full-time careers, especially when they have a disability. Over the years, I have had the opportunity to do a number of different internships and attend conferences and professional workshops, which have given me the experience necessary to be successful in my career.

Person with disability using a laptop.

Shaun Uses Mentors to Define His Career Path

Hi, my name is Shaun, and I am a Ph.D. student at the in Seattle. The Information School is an interdisciplinary program that studies the relationships between people, information, and technology. My own research focuses on how everyday computing technologies such as laptops, keyboards, mice, and mobile phones can be made more accessible and help people be more independent in their daily lives.

Photo of Shaun

Anthony's Key to Independence

Communication has always been a priority for me. So it isn't surprising that I have made it a major part of my adulthood to serve others with communication disabilities. When I was a young child, I was sitting at home with my parents, and I noticed that the first snowfall of the season starting. Just like any other kid, I was excited and wanted to tell my parents, but I had no means of saying, "Look, look, it's snowing outside!" I decided if I could point to the refrigerator and then to the outside window, I might get that point across.

Photo of Anthony

Shaun

Shaun

My name is Shaun. I'm an assistant professor at the where I teach classes, mentor students, and conduct research.

Photo of Shaun

Kavita

Kavita

My name is Kavita. I am a PhD student in computer science at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) and I plan on graduating in three years.

Photo of Kavita

John

John

My name is John. I'm a PhD student in the Department of Human Centered Design & Engineering (HCDE) at the ÌÇÐÄÔ­´´, and I hope to complete my program within the next three years.

Photo of John

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