This article describes the new Occupational & Life Skills (OLS) program at Bellevue Community College in Bellevue, Washington. The OLS-Venture program, as it is now called, grew out of a series of continuing education classes in personal finance, cooking, and related life skills for people with autism, obsessive-compulsive disorder and other learning, cognitive, and intellectual challenges. In 2002, a group of Bellevue parents and educators came up with the idea for a practical degree program that would prepare students with disabilities for independent lives and careers. OLS is the nation's only college-level degree program for people with special intellectual needs. The 47-course curriculum is also the first to combine higher education and academic subjects with comprehensive social, life, and workforce training. Each class is small, with no more than 15 students so instructors can better focus on individual needs. Hours are extended and learning is reinforced through lectures, discussion, repetition, teamwork and practical experiences.