How it Works

Tavon Learning Center provides active learning programs that are focused in three areas – social development, independent living, and community connections. The programs are designed for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to discover, learn, and apply skills in real-life settings.

We use our unique combination of outdoor gardens, community building, real-life practice, and peer coaching to help people acquire home and community skills for living better.

Two People Working On A Project

Peer Coaching

Community Building

Real-life Practice

Outdoor Gardens

Programming Areas

We use an experiential-based learning method in all our programs. Research has shown that real-life practice of skills increases learning and enhances retention. It encourages individual growth, independence, and builds confidence in our members. 

Our programs take place in a variety of environments including our main campus, Downtown Issaquah, destinations throughout the community, and our beautiful outdoor gardens which provides a connection with nature, wellness benefits, and a place to grow success.   

Tavon Learning Center has two program areas: Learning and Community Programs which includes Lifelong Learning and Recreation, and Specialized Habilitation.

Learning and Community Programs 

Black Nugget & Downtown Sites

We provide all Tavon members with the following benefits and learning experiences at both of our two Issaquah sites: our Black Nugget site, directed by Anna Lindquist, or our Downtown Site, directed by Sam Schaubhut.

Daily Living and Social Skills  empower our members to develop independence and social well-being for living a balanced life.  The learn-by-doing life skills include basic household management, eating right and food preparation, healthy social skills, community engagement activities, and community volunteer opportunities. Members also enjoy leisure activities such as baking and arts and crafts.  

Nature-Based Learning which operates under the core principle that everyone deserves access to nature. Our six-acre nature-rich campus, with outdoor gardens and forested trails, provides us with a stepping-off point for exploration. Outdoor observation enhances creativity, boosts self-esteem, and enables our members to improve communication, pre-vocational, and creative thinking skills. Through our hands-on activities, projects, nature walks, horticulture, and animal care, we provide members the opportunity to connect to the restorative influence of the natural world.  

Functional Academics teaches independence and community-based skills – such as functional reading, writing, time management, pre-vocational skills, personal management, and community safety – in both classroom and real-life environments.  These programs empower member’s independence, ability to access their communities, and help them to live fulfilled lives.  

Recreation includes hiking, swimming, dance, yoga, biking, personal training, other physical activities and education around health, nutrition, and fitness. Activities occur onsite and in the community. The program aims to empower our members in communicating their needs, help them to grow social skills used to build friendships and make community connections, encourage personal wellness and independence, and develop new abilities and interests.  


Specialized Habilitation

Individualized supports to learn or maintain a range of life skills. Specialized Habilitation can help you create healthy relationships, adapt to challenges, and improve your overall quality of life.