Self-Advocate Businesses

Kindness Cafe + Play is a nonprofit coffee shop that employs adults with cognitive disabilities while creating a joyful, inclusive community space. We offer a wide variety of locally roasted coffee and espresso drinks and delicious baked goods. Located in the lobby of the YMCA in Charlottesville, VA, we're excited to be challenging perceptions while creating meaningful connections.

Kristina's Grind and Grace offers coffee, pastries, and a moment of respite from a hectic day. Serving coffee and confections, with a side of grace, by truly exceptional staff. The next time you need to add some caffeine and a heavy dose of sweetness to your afternoon, stop by and see Kristina in full bloom.

I'm a 24-year-old North Carolina native. I recently realized a lifelong dream and moved into an apartment with my younger brother in Apex, NC.

I graduated from High School in June 2017 with an Occupational Course of Study diploma. I completed Project Search, an internship-based educational program at Wake Technical Community College.

I currently work at Ruckus Pizza, Pasta & Spirits and 321 Coffee. I’ve worked at Chick-Fil-A, Fuquay Revolution Volleyball, and at a local movie theater. I also worked in the NC Legislature for State Representative John Bradford.

I also believe that serving my community is important, so I’ve been a community volunteer for several years.

I am passionate about raising awareness of Down syndrome, as well as all other intellectual and developmental disabilities. I love to speak to groups large and small, about a variety of topics and the impact on those of us with IDD.

Most notably, in December 2019, I gave a TEDx talk! And recently, I was interviewed by Anthony Padilla for his I Spent the Day With… series on YouTube.

I am a dynamic and passionate speaker, and I would love the opportunity to speak to your group too! Please check out my website for more information… www.matthewschwabspeaks.com

The spark that ignites the fire is Chef Matthew himself. Having Down syndrome has never stopped him from doing anything he sets his mind out to do. With an instinctive love of cooking since childhood and training at the award-winning Haywood Smokehouse in North Carolina during college, Matthew was inspired to launch his first line of barbecue sauces – Carolina Gold and Blueberry Chipotle.

What began as gift-making for teachers, family, and friends developed into a passion for meaningful work, independence, and self-advocacy. Founded by Max Crawford, in the Fall of 2023, Max Mix currently offers high-quality spice rubs for sale through our website and local pop-up opportunities in the Missouri and Kansas areas.

Poppin Joe's Gourmet Kettle Korn was established to show that Joe Steffy, a young man with autism and Down syndrome, is able to work. He is the CEO of this popular business that gives him an opportunity to do a variety of tasks he can chose between while at work each day. The business sells fresh popped kettle korn at festivals, and in local retail outlets.

Spencer's Place is an Inclusive coffee shop designed to employ Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD). Spencer's Place creates jobs that align with each individual's ability. We provide opportunities to earn a paycheck, build relationships, gain a sense of purpose and show the community the beauty of diversity and inclusion.

Sweet Jordan's is a Bakery, Homemade Ice Cream and Coffee Shop that employs 28 other individuals like Jordan. We make homemade ice cream, and baked goodies from recipes passed down from many generations.

Nolan is the creator of Texas Sweet Heat Jam Co. a hot market innovation comprised of his own homegrown peppers and a twist of fine-tuned culinary expertise. His hot pepper jelly is a result of years of practice and parental attention paid to his talent and special interest in gardening and cooking. Our jams are made from natural, local ingredients. No preservatives, no added chemicals or colors – just pure real food.

Owner and entrepreneur, Ronnie Brown, brings to the table his intoxicating affinity for fries, fries and more fries! Using his crafted technique to create his personal favorite buffalo fries to queso fries, pizza fries, jalapeno popper fries and other slices of gourmet fried heaven, Ronnie's serving up the richest flavors. As an added bonus, he armed foodies with sauces for every tongue's taste – be it sweet, spicy, classic savory or a walk on the wild side. THE FRY GUY has the sauce!

My name is Trey. I graduated high school in May 2022 from Powell High school. This summer I started my own business., Trey’s Snack Shack. It’s a mobile concessions trailer. I sell snacks, candy and drinks. I am able to help my former school by donating a portion of my profits to their Special Olympics program and their Powell Peps program. I have so many people who have seen me in the community or on social media who have brought me donations of snacks and drinks to sell. I’ve also had an officer from the Sheriffs office visit with his K-9, and our Knox county Mayor, Glenn Jacobs (AKA Kane, WWE wrestler) visit.. I feel proud to own my own business and help my community.