Success Stories

My name is Gabriel Savage and I’ve had 2 jobs here in Washington

I have been hired as the first-ever self-advocate on staff for our local Down syndrome association, the Down Syndrome Association of Greater Winston-Salem in Winston-Salem, NC. As a part-time administrative assistant, I will have a variety of responsibilities. So far, I have helped prepare lanyards and other materials for our upcoming Buddy Walk, put out yard signs, participated in a Buddy Walk planning meeting with the BW Committee, and attended a social for non-profit member agencies with our local community foundation. I also work at A Special Blend Coffee Shop in Greensboro, NC, as a Cafe Crew member and volunteer weekly at Senior Services in Winston-Salem as a greeter at the Intergenerational Center.

My sparkle life started with headbands. I’ve loved sparkles my whole life, especially disco balls and sapphires, my birthstone. Oh, and of course–diamonds!
I’ve always worn headbands. But, one day, when I was about eight or nine years old, a gem fell off the headband I was wearing. I really liked that headband, so I took my glue gun and fixed the gem back in place.

Suddenly, I saw the vision of my future. I decided to make my own headbands, and I would put sparkles on everything. I’ve been making my own headbands ever since. At first, I made the headbands as gifts for my friends and family. Then, I started selling them at events, like fabulous galas or fundraisers. Today, I’m selling my creations in stores and on my Esty shop, Sparkles by Maxine. I’ve also been featured on the news, which was so cool. I am not shy at all around cameras and have a good time posing and showing off my headbands.

Being the owner of Sparkles by Maxine is wonderful because I love seeing people wear my headbands and hair clips and be happy. Also, it’s good for people to see a lady boss. I love selling my headbands because when you sparkle, you feel fun. You can let go in your mind and just be happy. So, I love to see people sparkle because I love to see them happy. Learn more here: www.etsy.com/shop/SparklesByMaxine

I run Sweet Jordan’s, it’s a Bakery, Ice Cream and Coffee Shop and it’s probably like nothing you’ve ever seen before, because most employees are just like me…special. We all have something to contribute to society and our lives have value and meaning, just like everybody else. I was given less than 5% chance of living. I had major medical issues before I was born and my parents were told at 20 weeks that I had Down Syndrome. Some people even told my parents I should be aborted. My parents knew that God had a special plan for me. He is using my life to change my community and beyond. I believe I and others just like me can do anything, if given the opportunity. So, it is my prayer that people everywhere begin to Focus on Abilities Not Disabilities. Have Faith, Love Your Friends, Love Everyone, and Keep Chasing Your Dreams!

My Name is Joe Steffy, I own Poppin Joe’s Kettle Korn. As October is Down syndrome Awareness Month, I wanted to share my story to inspire others to pursue their dreams. My story is a tribute to my parents’ determination and the support they have given to ensure my quality of life. I have been able to share my success story across the country at conferences, seminars, and to parent and self-advocacy groups. In honor of Down syndrome Awareness Month and National Disability Employment Month, I’d like to share it with you!

I was born with Down syndrome and later diagnosed with Autism. When I was in school, my teachers said I had an IQ of 32 with profound intellectual disabilities. The reports said that my receptive and expressive language was at a 3-year-old level, and that I had minimal basic academic skills.

As I grew, my parents saw that I liked to do things independently, I loved being active with other people and spending time with family and friends. They recognized that I had a very good memory for detail, and could follow through with activities that are part of a regular routine. I was blessed with many community opportunities and became a very strong swimmer. This led to the opportunity of helping at the community pool. I also enjoyed horseback riding at a local stable and began to volunteer there to help with the horses.

In high school, my team started to plan for my transition into adulthood. The team had very low expectations. They said I would never hold a job, that I had no attention span, could not focus, and would need to live in a group home. My parents disagreed. They knew I was capable of working and that I learned by watching. They also knew I would do exactly what I saw done, so teaching me the right way to do things would be important. I am happiest when I am busy and my parents knew this. I would work, they said.

While on a trip, my Dad saw a man popping kettle corn and it caught his attention. He asked many questions about the process to the man, and learned that kettle corn is an old German way of popping popcorn with sugar. The popcorn pops between 420°- 460° degrees. When you add the sugar and secret ingredients to the popcorn and vegetable oil in the hot kettle, the sugar breaks down into a liquid. As the popcorn pops it comes up through the sugar and gives the kernels a sugar coating. While popping, the kettle is 500° degrees so it is important that it is constantly stirred. As you stir the popped kernels, it commingles. Once it is all popped, it is dumped out onto the screening table where it cools.

My Dad came away excited about the possibilities to use this to build on my strengths. This was a way for me to prove that I could work. We did a work trial in October of 2000. The goal was to see if I could work. We popped on weekends at local grocery stores and I showed Dad I could stay on task for up to 6 hours. In the work trial, Dad saw that I could learn the repetition of the production process. I could pop, and I could bag, both key parts of popping kettle corn.

My parents decided this looked like very promising work for me. They attended a Davis Hammis presentation at a Partners in Policymaking class in Kansas. It showed that I could OWN my own business. The key to making Poppin’ Joe’s Kettle Korn come true was having a business plan, doing the work trial, and proving that I could work.

First Steps helped my Mom set up the business plan, and the Kansas Department for Developmental Disabilities provided me with a new business startup grant to purchase new equipment. My start up team included Social Security, which offers a program called PASS (The plan for achieving self-support) and having cash set aside for achieving my business goals. My parents also worked with Vocational Rehab to purchase a computer and laser printer for my business. They submitted my business plan to open Poppin’ Joes Kettle Korn to each of these team members. My team was then able to provide me the startup supports I needed to become the sole proprietor of Poppin Joe’s Kettle Korn in April of 2005.

I offer five products in my business. Cinnamon Kettle Korn, Sweet and Cheesy, Old Fashioned Kettle Korn, White Cheddar popcorn, and Golden Karmel Korn. 65% of my business is through selling at Festivals like the county fairs, car shows and various festivals around Kansas City. 25% of my business is through weekly supplies to specialty stores like gas stations, medical centers and farmer’s markets. The final 10 % is popcorn I sell for special events like weddings, graduations, employee events and internet sales.

My daily business tasks include deliveries, banking, paying my bills, and sending out invoices, as well as popping kettle korn to keep up with the demand. My gross sales starting out were $15,000 in 2005. They doubled in 2006, and have now have tripled to over $60,000 annually in sales last year! We are a success because of teamwork and the commitment my parents have made to me.

Poppin’ Joe’s Kettle Korn began with the mission of honoring God in all we do. Being a blessing to other people, to pursue excellence, and to grow profitability. I am a member in the community that I work in, which gives me a place to belong. I am a contributing citizen and am able to do fundraisers for local churches, schools, businesses and communities events, as well as for many nonprofit organizations. My community values me – I pay taxes!

In 2008, Poppin Joes helped me move into my own home. I love my freedom! It gives me a great life! I go to work during the day, and hang out and do fun activities at night, just like most business owners. I have many activities I enjoy, like shooting hoops, horseback riding, swimming, traveling, skiing, going to amusement parks, water surfing, sky diving, lifting weights, scuba diving, spending time with my family and friends. My business has also enabled me to have many adventures, going places and meeting people I would not otherwise get to meet. I have been invited to travel and share my story with groups across the country. This has brought me many new friends, and expanded my business even further.

I have been blessed by incredible parents who have advocated for me since my birth. They saw my potential. They knew that I could succeed. They have given their time and energy to help make my business a reality and a continued success. This Down syndrome Awareness Month and Disability Employment Month I want to say Thank You to my advocates since birth, Mom and Dad, Janet and Ray Steffy. I love being Poppin’ Joe!

*Article is from Joe’s Power point presentation he uses with his augmentative device to tell his story. Joe Steffy is 30 years old and lives in his own apartment in Louisburg, Kansas and is the owner of Popping Joe’s Kettle Korn. 

My name is Kyle Stumpf. I am 30 years old and live in Dubuque Iowa. I graduated from high school in 2009. After graduation I was employed in a sheltered work environment in a segregated setting at sub minimum wage. I worked in that setting for approximately four years. In 2014 I got a job at Papa Johns Pizza in Dubuque. I have been working there for five years now! I love my job! I am making more money and have started to save money in my ABLE account to for the future. I am also a very active participant in the community. I have volunteered my time and go to many events and recreational activities throughout the Community. I have attended statewide conferences on self advocacy as well as Competitive Integrated Employment. During the lead up to the Iowa Caucuses I attended many political events with my Dad telling my story and encouraging candidates to support disability rights. In October 2019 I participated in a legislative briefing in Washington D.C. to tell my story and advocate to end the use of sub minimum wage for people with disabilities

I am the Front Desk Receptionist at Data Machines Corp. and a part time student at Northern Virginia Community College. (NVCC). I've been working with DMC for 5 years now and my job responsibilities include helping with the newsletter, making sure the visitors who has a meeting have a badge, organizing things in general, and writing the birthday cards. My major is Communications in Theatre and I'm on my way to finish my degree.

To get to my work at DMC and NVCC, I mange my rides with Loudoun County Transit, the metro DC area sliver line, and Uber at times. I work with the Virginia Board for People with Disabilities in order to advocate for people who are differently abled like me with our Virginia legislators.

I'm a co-author with my sister, Ceci, on "Enabled" a Ceci and Lucy Sturman memoir. It's about inseparable sisterhood between Ceci and I for our whole lives together. I'm passionate about writing, listening to music (K-Pop), and traveling with my family. One of the achievements that I've done is climbing up Mount. Kilimanjaro with my family in Tanzania, Africa up to 15,000 ft.

Kei’Arie “Angel Baby” Tatum has been working since the age of 3yrs old. Kei’Arie has been included into the entertainment industry as a phenomenal actress & model. Years of working is this field and upon completion of Kei’Arie’s amazing years of school, getting straight A’s, she graduated becoming a Boutique owner of Angel Babies Boutique. Kei’Arie enjoys helping others, spreading more love, awareness and inclusion for all Angel Babies (Special needs) in the world. She has gained the love, hearts and support of many and hopes to continue her liberating journey in respecting and caring for others while gaining more inclusion. Thank you for allowing the Angel Baby Team this platform to share a small token of Kei’Arie Tatum’s victories. Blessings to everyone! We always say “there is strength in numbers”.

-Team Angel Baby

Baily works as a Fashion Consultant with her mother Becky. Baily does a lot of live sales and keeps up with inventory. Baily sells cardigans, leggings, skirts and tee shirts. She also hosts parties where she sets up the inventory. Baily helps her clients pick out the perfect outfits! Through working in Fashion, she is learning great work ethic, people skills and the importance of earning for a living

My family has always had high expectations for me. I have also tried to set the bar high for myself. I believe that people with Down syndrome deserve respect and be given all the opportunities to show that they can shine and achieve. I have been fortunate to demonstrate my abilities in my life and now it is especially important with my employment.

Some of the biggest goals in my life were to go to college, have a meaningful job and career and advocate for people with intellectual disabilities. I am proud to say that I have accomplished those goals. But I still want to do more!

After high school I wanted to attend college like my peers and went to the MasonLIFE program at George Mason University for four years, graduating in May of 2010. I loved college. I learned to be independent and I lived in the dorms. I did my class work by myself, wrote articles for the college newspaper, and was responsible for my laundry and food. I also advocated by myself to audit regular college classes because I wanted a true college experience and to learn as much as possible.

While in college I volunteered and worked for different advocacy groups during my school breaks. I learned that I had a strong voice and wanted to learn how to be a good self-advocate.

After graduation I applied for a lot of jobs and had many interviews. Unfortunately, some companies didn’t want to give me a chance. But, it was networking with the people I had met through my advocacy that led me to my fantastic job.

Since January 2011 I have had a wonderful and meaningful job at Rosetta Stone in Rosslyn, Virginia! I am an office assistant.

My job is rewarding to me. I am a valued member of the Rosetta Stone team and my co-workers respect me, challenge me and support me. They are my colleagues and my friends.

My responsibilities at work are taking care of the mail, greeting and escorting visitors to the office, organizing and stocking the pantry and copy rooms and inventorying supplies. I enjoy learning new skills because I told my supervisor that I wanted to keep learning. I have learned to use Excel and help with special projects. I have benefits and have received a raise and bonus every year!

A big challenge when I started my job was learning how to get to work on the Metro subway. Now when there are delays or problems with my commute I know what to do. I also enjoy reading the paper on the train to work to keep up with the news.

In addition to my career at Rosetta Stone, my advocacy is an important part of my mission to demonstrate the important and exciting contributions people with Down syndrome can make to their communities. I belong to many organizations and it has been very important for my advocacy. I continue to network and meet new people. It has been an empowering experience!

I am honored to be on the Board of the National Down Syndrome Society and the Down Syndrome Association of Northern Virginia. I participate in Special Olympics and I am an Ambassador for Best Buddies.I have had the privilege of attending meetings around the country in my role as a self-advocate.

I believe that I was able to reach my goals and accomplishments that led me to meaningful employment and self-advocacy because of the love and support of so many people around me. I was also given the opportunity to dream big. I had a wonderful education. And I had the privilege of working and volunteering with advocacy groups and meeting other wonderful self-advocates. I’ve had many champions in my life that have “had my back,” encouraged me and allowed me to become more independent. Even though I know I have had so much support in my life I am proud of the hard work I have demonstrated to achieve my goals

“I make and sell bath bombs with charms in them, shower disk, sugar scrub, and bath salts. I started working in November of 2016. I love making money to be able to go to college at Mississippi State Hail State. My job makes me feel important and reminds me that I can do anything!!!

My advice to other individuals with Down syndrome who have or want a job is to NEVER GIVE UP!!! It took over a month to get the bath bombs down right. If I would have gave up I would not have my own business Da Bombs by Morgan Tibbens!”

Dance Happy Designs was founded in 2016 by Julia, Liv, and Emily: three friends on a mission to empower others and celebrate differences through their lifestyle brand. While strengths and abilities may vary, the three founders believe every person deserves the opportunity to forge a meaningful career and have a fulfilling life.

Dance Happy is a silkscreen print studio located outside the city of Philadelphia, PA, which produces handcrafted textile products featuring their original patterns. From hand-cutting patterns to printing fabric to sewing products, everything at Dance Happy is done by hand and with a whole lot of love. Focusing on a refined playfulness, the patterns have an organic but delightful nature to them, speaking volumes to the partnership behind them.

Dance Happy’s patterns are available on an array of textiles products, all of which are made in-house in small, limited runs. Each of the founders contributes to the production of every product made, truly showcasing why inclusion matters