Beyond I CAN

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How did Beyond I CAN start?

Beyond I CAN started at the request of several parents that were wanting a program similar to the I CAN program at the high school level for their post high school young adults. The parents felt the high school program served their child well and wanted to see something like it continue for their special needs children.

2. Who does Beyond I CAN serve?

Beyond I CAN serves post high school individuals with disabilities needing employment. It also serves as a transition site for students at Muncie Southside High School to explore vocational opportunities.

3. How could we start a similar program in our community?

Beyond I CAN is host to many teachers and administrators that are interested in learning about our approach. We present workshops and provide free support to organizations wishing to start similar programs.

4. What part do volunteers play in the program?

Beyond I CAN is pleased to offer volunteer time to Ball State students to the fulfill class requirements. Senior citizens are an important part of the program and are always welcome. Parents often volunteer with their young adults and help keep Beyond I CAN running and working smoothly.

5. What are the work hours?

Beyond I CAN Gallery and Gift Store hours are flexible to meet workers needs. The hours are Monday -Thursday 1pm to 5pm. Fridays to be announced as we expect Fridays to be a social day with movies, parties, or fun time. Saturday 10 am-2:00pm.

6. Do you partner with other community organizations?

Beyond I CAN partners with Muncie Sunrise Rotary, Altursa Club, Council for Exceptional Children at Ball State, 55 Alive and Very Special Arts of Indiana and other community organizations. We are proud that there are so many ways we can make a difference by working with other organizations.

7. What is service learning?

Service learning is how many frsit come to know Beyond I CAN participants. We utilize service learning as a tool to learn academics and/or production methods as we to identify, emphathize, and try to fill needs in the community. As Beyond I CAN workers learn a skill in production of a product they are also learning how the sale of that product will produce revenue. They dedicate a portion of the money to help solve a community concern selected by program participants. Past service learning projects have included making quilts for babies born with AIDS, Toys for Tots, A Better Way clothing drives, and delivering birthday balloons to nursing home residents. Performing a service such as holding Scout meetings and after school Latch Key activities at Beyond I CAN are ways these individuals are sharing service learning with their community. Beyond I CAN plans to continue working on favorite service learning projects such as Toys for Tots. Plans are underway to work with a nearby school and its latch key program and to give workshops for Scout troops.

8. How does Ball State University work with Beyond I CAN?

Ball State University sends participants in service learning classes to learn and interact with the participants in the Beyond I CAN program. The Beyond I CAN Board is proud to have several Ball State faculty members participating in making Beyond I CAN succeed. In addition Ball State faculty offer their time assisting with transition, marketing, computer web page design, digital storytelling, and grant assistance. Ball Sate is playing a big part in the success of Beyond I CAN and we thank them.

9. Where do you sell your products?

Products produced at Beyond I CAN are marketed on line in our digital store, at conferences, to museum shops and gift stores, and in our own shop operated at the Burlington address. We also have products that can be used as fundraisers for organizations. Some of the workers are learning to become product reps for Beyond I CAN.

10. How can community organizations meet at BIC?

Beyond I CAN offers a meeting room to community organizations for free. They also offer refreshments prepared and served, if requested. After the meeting participants will have an opportunity to shop in the Beyond I CAN gallery and Gift Shop and observe the work assembly areas.

11. What are your best selling products?

Our fossil products are our very best selling items. Several coporations and individuals have expressed interest because of the Indiana connection.

12. Who are you sales personnel?

All participants in the Beyond I CAN program learn to help customers that shop in the gallery and store. Some parents also sell Beyond I CAN products for the program. We are presently training sales reps (Beyond I CAN workers) to present the product lines to church groups in the community and organizations in the Muncie area.

13. How can organizations sell your products for a fundraiser?

Organizations need to contact Beyond I CAN to discuss the fundraiser program to check if it would meet their needs.

14. Do you offer workshops?

Yes, we offer workshops for teachers/administrators wanting to start similar programs. Workshops are also available for youth organizations such as Scout groups.

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