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About Beyond I CAN
Program Overview: Vocational: Beyond I CAN has as its purpose the creation of jobs and experiences that allow individuals with disabilities and gifts the opportunity to operate a business with assistance from seniors, volunteers, college students, parents and teachers by providing an integrated workplace where respect has an opportunity to grow. High school and post high school individuals with special needs are welcomed as they learn how to operate the gallery and gift shop as they create a quality line of products.
Many of the participants have graduated with a certificate of completion from local high schools and when attempts are made to secure employment they have been told they will need a GED in order to be hired. As a result these young people are easily discouraged and often sit at home and no longer look for employment, feeling they really don't fit in anywhere. These adults do not usually qualify for sheltered workshop work, therefore, they often develop a hopelessness concerning employment. The Beyond I CAN program looks at each individual for areas of talent and interest to build on and offers them positive work experiences and opportunities. Socials: Many of the Beyond I CAN workers thought it would be neat if they could get together socially after they were done working. They came up with the idea of buying drinks and snacks on sale and selling them to those workers that were taking a work break during their daily Beyond I CAN schedule. Then a parent also began supplying the group with pre-packaged snacks purchased at discount. They soon had enough money, from the snack sales, to have monthly parties where they also celebrate any birthday that fell during the month. To date they have had a luau, bowling night, game and karaoke party, Christmas and Halloween celebration, picnic and wheelchair art party to mention a few.
It is not at all uncommon for our party participants to ask “When is the next party?” as they come through the door for the present party! Wellness: With Beyond I CAN meeting vocational and social needs of the workers it was decided to look at some wellness issues facing those in wheelchairs. This population often has difficulty with lack of movement and weight gain. A plan is getting under way to host leaders that will help our workers with exercise from a seated position. VSAI is sending a yoga instructor to teach our workers as a group. We are also looking at offering some healthier snack choices during our break times.
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Nancy Barnett founded Beyond I CAN in 2003 and currently servers as director. Fifteen years ago she started a similar program for her students at the local high school called I CAN. As a result of her involvement in the I CAN program she was the recipient of the 
