ARE YOU A BAND? ✸

Nope! Even though we love music and really rock, we are not a musical group, but a community of individuals. Our name honors the tradition of journeying together with shared purpose, connection, and full participation.

WHAT IS “WAYFARING”? ✸

Wayfaring means traveling with a spirit of curiosity and adventure. The Wayfaring Band embodies that same spirit of wanderlust. Our style of travel hails from the days of rest-stop picnics, gas-station coffee, and roadside attractions.

WHO CAN JOIN? ✸

Our programs are for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) as well as neurotypical people.

WHAT MAKES YOU DIFFERENT? ✸

We emphasize mutual aid over “helping.” Everyone contributes their unique gifts while learning from one another. We’re building inclusive, interdependent communities.

For a global community to be harmonious, our belief is that there has to be room for vast differences between all the members. The Wayfaring Band aims to enhance understanding between different groups of people by being explicit and celebratory about differences.

HOW LONG HAS THE WAYFARING BAND BEEN AROUND? ✸

The Wayfaring Band was founded in 2012 to challenge the assumption that adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities are limited in their capacity to live full, meaningful lives. Our first journey showed that travel and shared experiences can build confidence, skills, and lasting community. From that foundation, we have grown into an organization committed to inclusion, belonging, and disability justice.

WHAT IS THE GOAL OF YOUR TOURS? ✸

We’re not a vacation company. Our trips are immersive social experiences focused on interdependence, advocacy, inclusion, and community-building across neurodiverse groups.

WHAT IS A LEADERSHIP FELLOW?✸

Leadership fellows (usually neurotypical adults) engage in daily learning on inclusion, ableism, and witness universal design in practice, while building meaningful relationships with fellow travelers.

CAN I GET ACADEMIC OR PROFESSIONAL CREDIT? ✸

Yes, many travelers complete over 80 hours of immersive learning. We’re happy to work with schools or employers to meet specific requirements.

CAN A PERSON WITH A DISABILITY BE A FELLOW? ✸

While the fellowship is tailored to neurotypical adults, travelers with I/DD can engage with the social leadership curriculum at their own pace.

WHAT IS THE ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE ROLE?✸

Artists are selected to join specific tours as a peer on full scholarship, with the purpose of creating an ‘ode’ to the Band following their residency. They contribute like all travelers while capturing their experience in their medium of choice.  Check out our gallery of Artist Odes!

CAN YOU ACCOMMADATE MEDICAL NEEDS? ✸

Yes. We’ll work with travelers using mobility or communication devices and explore best-fit trips together. Physical accessibility varies by destination.

We work closely with a nurse consultant on a case-by-case basis for each new traveler.  We work with travelers using mobility or communication devices and explore best-fit trips together. Physical accessibility varies by destination. Please reach out with any specific questions!

CAN A FAMILY MEMBER JOIN AS SUPPORT? ✸

Family can join as full participants, but not in caregiver roles. We find travelers grow most when exploring independently from parents or guardians. Please contact us if you would like explore options. 

ARE FELLOWS OR ARTISTS “HELPERS”?✸

No. We don’t use a “helper” model. Everyone is a full participant. Fellows and artists support the community through peer modeling and mutual aid, not hierarchy.

WHAT SUPPORT IS PROVIDED? ✸

We offer a minimum 1:4 staff-to-traveler ratio, personalized per traveler needs ranging from high independence to one-on-one support.

DO I NEED EXPERIENCE WITHIN THE DISABILITY COMMUNITY TO JOIN? ✸

No. Just bring empathy, openness, and a willingness to learn. We welcome participants of all backgrounds and experience levels.

CAN I VOLUNTERER OR JOIN FOR FREE? ✸

No volunteer roles exist within our programs. To ensure equity and sustainability, we require every participant to pay unless they are awarded a scholarship or the program is offered for free.

Volunteers do help execute our annual fundraising events, so if that interests you feel free to reach out to us. We’d be happy to hear from you!

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? ✸

Program costs vary, please see our Programs page for more information. We work closely with local CCB’s and can assist in securing funding

WHAT PAYMENTS DO YOU ACCEPT? ✸

We accept cash, checks, and credit cards (with a 3% fee). SLS and waiver funds aren’t accepted, but scholarships and creative payment solutions are available.

DO YOU OFFER SCHOLARSHIPS? ✸

Yes, thanks to our generous donors. Travelers can apply based on financial need. Contact us to start the conversation!

HOW DO I SIGN UP? ✸

Check out our upcoming offerings on our Programs Page and get in touch to register.