Washington State School for the Blind: Life Skills Training Center

The Washington State School for the Blind Learning Independence for Today and Tomorrow, or LIFTT, program teaches life skills to blind and visually impaired young adults with a goal of achieving independent living. The program includes vocational training, social integration skills, and personal management skills. The program offers a safe environment for visually disabled young people to practice their independence before venturing into the wider world. Replacing the 1970s single story brick building with a wood-framed 2-story targeting LEED Silver certification, the facility will inspire learning and curiosity and allow students to easily interact with both their instructors and peers. Lund Opsahl provided structural design for this facility that will feature exposed wood elements in common areas and create a sensory rich environment that is both easily usable and enjoyable for those who live and work there.

Renderings and Photos Courtesy of Mahlum Architects