Out of High School? Keep Learning with Us!

Free post-secondary learning for young adults with disabilities, designed to complement transition goals identified by the Department of Education and IDEA.

The transition out of high school shouldn't mean the end of learning, connection, or opportunities to grow.

Nature Links offers free, live online classes that give young adults with disabilities a place to continue building skills for adulthood while exploring topics that are relevant, interesting, and connected to the real world.

Through conversation, projects, problem-solving, technology, and community experiences, learners practice skills that support post-secondary transition goals, including:

  • Communication & Self-Advocacy — sharing ideas, making choices, asking questions, and speaking up for yourself.

  • Independent Living — practicing decision-making, money skills, planning, relationships, safety, and everyday problem-solving.

  • Employment Readiness — building communication, teamwork, responsibility, digital skills, and confidence that carry into the workplace.

  • Community & Civic Life — understanding current events, community systems, resources, and ways to participate and contribute.

  • Digital Literacy — using technology to communicate, learn, create, find reliable information, and navigate an increasingly digital world.

  • Relationships & Belonging — practicing trust, boundaries, communication, and the skills needed to build meaningful connections.

Learning That Feels Like Real Life

Our classes don't look like traditional school.

Learners might debate how a community should respond to extreme weather, explore what makes a relationship trustworthy, investigate why humans fear certain animals, use AI to solve a problem, plan a meal, analyze a news story, or work together on a community project.

The topic gets us interested. The skills we practice along the way help prepare learners for what's next.

Nature Links can complement a student's existing transition plan by providing another place to practice skills, explore interests, build confidence, and connect with others beyond high school.

What To Expect

Live Online • Monday, Wednesday & Friday • Free to Participate

Classes focus on helping young adults with disabilities develop independence, explore their strengths, and apply them to work, hobbies, and relationships. Through interactive, hands-on learning, learners discover how they can engage in civic life, make positive changes in their communities, and understand the systems that impact their daily lives.

Using nature as a lens, learners explore how the world around them inspires innovation and problem-solving, and how their own curiosities and skills can lead to practical solutions and tools for a better life. Classes foster confidence, curiosity, and meaningful connections—building the skills and agency young adults need to thrive.

What Are We Learning?

All of our learning is rooted in opportunities to grow and advance personal potential. Learners explore their place in the world, lean into their strengths, and apply their natural gifts to helping, working, creating, and contributing. Along the way, we have fun, build connections, and practice real-world skills.

Here are just a few examples of the learning units we’ve been working on lately:

Discovering Strengths and Building Independence

In this series, learners explore their personal strengths and practice applying them to real-life goals—whether in jobs, hobbies, relationships, or daily routines. Students engage in hands-on activities that develop decision-making, prioritization, and self-advocacy, while reflecting on how their abilities guide choices and opportunities. Through these exercises, learners build confidence in matching their strengths to meaningful roles and gain skills to navigate postsecondary life with independence and purpose.

Civic Engagement and Community Participation

This series examines how learners can actively contribute to their communities through volunteering, civic awareness, and understanding local policies. Students explore practical ways to get involved, discuss how decisions in government and organizations affect daily life, and reflect on their role in shaping positive change. Activities emphasize communication, leadership, and collaboration, helping learners develop networks and confidence to participate fully in community life.

Why It Matters

All of our learning series are designed to support postsecondary transition goals:

  • Self-awareness and decision-making — understanding personal strengths and priorities

  • Independent living and community participation — navigating work, volunteering, and adult responsibilities

  • Civic understanding and leadership — learning how to contribute and advocate in communities

  • Building networks and confidence — connecting skills, interests, and relationships to real-life opportunities

By focusing on strengths, independence, and civic participation, every session gives learners the tools to make informed choices, contribute meaningfully, and move confidently into postsecondary life.

Sounds like something you’d like to join? We’d love to have you!

Submit the form with your interest, or:

Email us, and we’ll send you the invitation and class information. Connect with us at:
info@naturelinksmaine.org

Or give us a call:
207-735-7970