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Beyond I Can folks roll out 'wheelchart' By NASEEM SOWTI
But the paintings were just a byproduct of this get-together. "What we really do is create opportunities for individuals with special needs," said Nancy Barnett, the creator of the I Can and Beyond I Can programs. "We want them to have jobs and view themselves in a positive way. That's the real focus of the (Beyond I Can) program." Barnett started the I Can program 15 years ago out of Southside High School for teens with disabilities. There they could create art and sell it at their store. Her I Can program is now implemented in several local and national high schools. But "a lot of parents insisted that we somehow continue this program after the kids graduate from high school," Barnett said. And so she created the Beyond I Can program and store at a building on 1510 Burlington Ave., which was donated by a parent and now is run by volunteers and parents. The warmly decorated store carries items from post cards to necklaces made of Indiana fossils. And everything is made by the members of the program. To make this possible, "everything is broken down to small jobs, and everyone has a role. So, at the end, they all have ownership of the final product," Barnett said. Going to the Beyond I Can store is like going to work for many of the teens and adults with disabilities. The quiet Michael Turner, for instance, "gets really excited about coming here," said his dad, Darrell. "He looks forward to it, and it's making him more independent and self-assured." And some participants like Cathy Thomas come at least twice a week, even if it's after her classes at Ball State. During Saturday night's painting event, which was put together to recognize National Disability Awareness Month, the participants took turns rolling the roller on the paper, whether they were in a wheelchair, walked with canes or could walk on their own. "We had to borrow the special painting equipment for tonight, but we just got a grant that will allow us to purchase all of these and have more painting events," said Pam Nicholas, who is the president of Beyond I Can board and also the area manager for VSA arts. And the participants loved what they called "wheelchart." "It's fun to do," said Ric Michael, while he was taking a break from his walkers. "We need to do more of them and sell them." Beyond I Can is planning to auction off the framed paintings in April. All the proceeds from artworks made by the group go back to the community through projects they do for other organizations such as Habitat for Humanity. The store is open Tuesdays, Thursdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays, and the public can stop by to make a purchase. For more information or store hours, call Beyond I Can at 282-9335. * Contact news reporter Naseem Sowti at 213-5829. Copyright (c) The Star Press. All rights reserved. Reproduced with the permission of Gannett Co., Inc. by NewsBank, inc The StarPress Home l About l Contact l Board l Sponsorship l Service Learning l Workshops l Calendar & News l Media Gallery l FAQ l Directions Beyond
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