Beyond Basics is an inclusive adult learning course open to members of the public of all abilities, including adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Through classroom instruction, hands-on learning, and experiences in the community, participants strengthen practical life skills, career readiness, social connections, and confidence.

Each session combines instruction with opportunities to apply learning in real-life settings. Topics include independent living, personal and community safety, health and well-being, communication, civic participation, career exploration, workplace skills, and employment readiness. Participants are continually challenged to build upon existing abilities, develop new skills, and become increasingly independent at home, at work, and in the community.

Beyond Basics is offered as part of Voyagers’ Community School's regular adult educational programming and is open to new and returning participants. Activities take place at Voyagers’, at other community locations, and alongside members of the broader community.

Life Skills & Career Readiness

Participants build practical skills that support greater independence, safety, confidence, and success in everyday adult life. Instruction and hands-on practice may include:

• Time Management & Organization: Managing schedules, appointments, deadlines, personal belongings, and daily responsibilities.
• Home & Personal Safety: Recognizing hazards, responding to emergencies, using household equipment safely, and making informed decisions at home and in the community.
• Household Management: Meal planning and preparation, shopping, cleaning, laundry, basic home care, and maintaining personal spaces.
• Money & Consumer Skills: Budgeting, making purchases, comparing prices, understanding bills, managing spending, and practicing safe financial habits.
• Transportation & Community Navigation: Planning trips, reading schedules and directions, using transportation options, and safely navigating community settings.
• Communication & Relationships: Strengthening conversational skills, professional and personal communication, boundaries, conflict resolution, and self-advocacy.
• Health & Well-Being: Developing routines that support nutrition, physical activity, personal care, stress management, and overall well-being.
• Problem-Solving & Decision-Making: Evaluating choices, solving everyday problems, asking for assistance when needed, and responding appropriately to unexpected situations.
• Career & Workplace Readiness: Exploring careers, preparing résumés, searching and applying for jobs, interviewing, understanding workplace expectations, communicating professionally, and developing dependable work habits.
• Increasing Independence: Practicing the skills needed to manage personal, household, community, and workplace responsibilities with progressively greater independence.

Community Participation & Inclusion

Beyond Basics extends learning into the community, giving participants opportunities to practice skills in authentic settings, pursue personal interests, and engage with members of the broader public.

• Community Engagement: Visit businesses, cultural destinations, recreational facilities, community events, and other public spaces while practicing communication, decision-making, safety, and independence.
• Social Connections: Participate in shared activities and interests that encourage conversation, collaboration, friendship, and connection with others.
• Arts, STEAM & Enrichment: Explore local arts, technology, science, maker, and educational opportunities alongside other community members.
• Culinary & Cultural Experiences: Shop for ingredients, prepare meals, explore foods and traditions, and participate in dining and culinary experiences in the community.
• Clubs & Community Resources: Identify and explore clubs, organizations, libraries, recreational programs, and other resources that can become part of participants' lives beyond SAIL.
• Civic Participation & Service: Learn about local organizations, volunteer opportunities, community needs, and ways adults can contribute to their communities.
• Community Safety & Self-Advocacy: Practice navigating public spaces, recognizing unsafe situations, seeking assistance, communicating needs, and making informed choices.

Pair It With SAIL On

Participants may enroll in Beyond Basics independently or combine it with SAIL On for a full Tuesday program. Beyond Basics builds essential life skills, independence, community navigation, and career readiness, while SAIL On extends the day with opportunities to put those skills into action through STEAM projects, entrepreneurship, cooking, creative work, and collaborative experiences.

Together, the two programs create a full day that moves naturally from learning and skill-building to practical application.

Fall 2026
12 Classes, $1,100.00
September 14th - November 30th

Winter 2027
12 Classes, $1,100.00
January 5th - April 13th
     No Class 2/16 & 3/30