Ashton Johnson

   

Ashton Johnson is the Co-Founder & Executive Director of Beyond Basic Life Skills located in North Charleston, South Carolina. She leads an organization dedicated to bridging the gap between education and independent adulthood for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. What began as a vision inspired by her family has grown into a thriving nonprofit that serves individuals through life skills training, employment readiness, community engagement, and leadership opportunities. She oversees strategic growth, partnerships, fundraising, program development, and a team committed to helping every participant build the skills and confidence needed to live a more independent and fulfilling life.

Ideal Client

Beyond Basic's ideal client is an adolescent or adult with an intellectual or developmental disability who desires greater independence, meaningful relationships, and active participation in their community. Many of the individuals they serve have aged out of traditional school programs or are seeking opportunities beyond what is available through existing services. They are eager to learn practical life skills, build confidence, explore employment opportunities, develop leadership abilities, and create lasting social connections.

They also serves families and caregivers who are looking for a supportive, engaging, and person-centered environment where their loved one can continue growing and thriving. These families value inclusion, independence, and lifelong learning and wants more than supervision, they want opportunities for their loved one to develop purpose, self-confidence, and a sense of belonging.

At Beyond BASIC, they work best with individuals who are willing to learn, participate, and challenge themselves while being supported by a team that believes in their potential. Whether a teammate is learning to manage daily living tasks, navigate community experiences, prepare for employment, or become a leader among their peers, our goal is to help them build the skills and confidence necessary to live a fuller, more independent life.

Business Power Partners

• Local school districts and transition programs serving students with disabilities
• Vocational Rehabilitation and employment support agencies
• Disabilities Board of Charleston County
• Healthcare providers, therapists, psychologists, and social workers
• Case managers and service coordinators
• Parent advocacy groups and caregiver networks
• Local businesses that provide employment exploration, job shadowing, volunteer opportunities, and community engagement experiences
• Hospitality partners, including local hotels and restaurants
• Community organizations, churches, and civic groups
• Fellow nonprofit organizations serving individuals with disabilities and their families

They have developed strong relationships throughout the Charleston region, allowing them to receive referrals from educators, healthcare professionals, community leaders, families, and disability service providers. These partnerships not only help identify individuals who can benefit from our programs but also create meaningful opportunities for our teammates to learn, work, volunteer, and build connections within the community.

Their referral network continues to grow through strategic collaborations, community outreach, speaking engagements, and advocacy efforts that increase awareness of the need for lifelong learning and independence-focused programming for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Contact Information

Website Contact Form
843-200-9857
Located in North Charleston, SC