One Step Beyond, Inc. (OSBI), a unique type of school, provides one-of-a-kind programs that empower adults who have intellectual disabilities to become independent, employed, and socially involved in their communities. The 5,100 square foot San Carlos campus includes a fully equipped music room, art studio, fitness center, and three open-space classrooms for individualized instruction.
“We create programming that enables our participants to spend 50 percent of their time out in the community,” says One Step Beyond CEO Madison Blanton. “The goal is to promote independence and enable adults who have disability to contribute to and be an active part of the community,”
Life skills programs help participants strengthen independent living skills, emphasizing money management, functional literacy, social skills, and safe community access. Employment programs provide training and volunteer opportunities that lead to employment. Recreation and fine arts programs offer music, art, dance, and fitness, emphasizing personal wellness. OSBI has the first and only community- based day training program in California with a special needs hockey team, the One Step Sharks.
Music students have the opportunity to work and record with A-list producers. Culinary training programs will be located in a commercial kitchen at the future Half Moon Bay Expansion location. OSBI provides food-industry training emphasizing customer service, healthy dietary planning, food preparation, and proper sanitation skills that equip our participants with the skills needed to seek employment in the food industry.
OSBI partners with its participants and their families to identify and provide innovative, individualized, and comprehensive educational, employment, life skills, and transitional services. One Step Beyond gives participants a voice. If a desired program isn’t currently offered, the team finds a way to make it happen.
OSBI staff have made it their life’s mission to better the lives of adults who have intellectual disabilities. Each day is about setting the standard and raising the bar for post-secondary adaptive educational programming. But the organization is asking for the community’s help.
Individuals interested in supporting the One Step Beyond mission can make a monetary donation by visiting the One Step Beyond website at https://osbi.org/.
“The community’s donations help us provide much-needed resources so that we can continue to offer consistent, high-quality programming that participants and their families expect,” adds Blanton. “With the community’s help, we can meet the demand and ensure every individual we support has the opportunity to live their best life.”
Individuals who have a compassionate heart and are looking for purpose-driven employment or volunteer opportunities can view open positions on the One Step Beyond website at https://osbi.org/.