Success Stories

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

Underwood for President!

Austin Underwood has always dreamt of owning and running his own business, but little did he know he’d go from a college student to President of Austin’s Underdawgs in a few short years.

Austin was born with an entrepreneurial spirit, something he inherited from his mother and father, Jan and Joe, who have owned and operated their own companies. Much like his entrepreneurial spirit, Austin was born with Down syndrome, and because of how his extra chromosome expresses itself, he is unable to do things like read or drive a car. However, that was not Austin’s and his family’s focus when they were planning for his future. They knew Austin needed a job that focused on his abilities rather than his disabilities because the goal was for Austin to be as independent as possible.

Jan knew that independence on the job would only be possible through specialized training. She researched programs that would be a good fit with Austin’s abilities and interests, and the Special Services Occupational Training Program at Eastern New Mexico University—Roswell fit both Austin’s skills and love of cooking.

First and foremost, the Eastern New Mexico University (ENMU) Program taught Austin to live independently and separately from his family. He was thrown into living situation where he had to apply the skills he had learned growing up to depend on himself. His daily life at ENMU had adequate supervision for his special needs, but ultimately, Austin just grew into an adult. He was responsible for getting to his classes and his job practicum, and he was responsible for making food, entertainment and socialization choices.

While at ENMU, Austin learned how to prep food through his vocational practicum at the school dining hall. He was so successful at his job that he eventually became the Stir Fry Station prep chef. Little did he know this experience was a stepping stone to becoming President Underwood.

His college life wasn’t all about cooking, because college wouldn’t be college without a social life. Austin was part of many clubs, but his favorite was the Special Ski Team. Austin joined the Special Ski Team and traveled with the team each Friday to Ruidoso for a day of skiing January through February.

Much like everyone’s college experiences, Austin learn to ride a city bus, keep up with his belongings, live with roommates, and just general life lessons. Next thing they knew, Austin had graduated from the Special Services Occupational Training Program at Eastern New Mexico University—Roswell with a certification as prep chef.

Before leaving for ENMU, Austin had gone to work for the summer at Albertson’s Grocery as a bagger and carry-out clerk. After graduating from ENMU, he returned to Albertson’s where he worked for 13 years. However, one job has never been enough for Austin, so during his work at Albertson’s, Austin also worked at his Mother’s store doing odd jobs several hours a week and at another café, until it closed.

Austin always loved the restaurant business, which is why he went to ENMU, and in 2013 he was ready to dive in. That year, Campisi’s of Dallas opened a restaurant in Fort Worth, Austin boldly asked the owner, David Campisi, for a job while dining. David hired him! And now Austin is a “family” member the customers have grown to love, support and expect to see at each visit. His continual experience at Campisi’s helps polish his restaurant customer service, a skill that is paramount to Austin’s Underdawgs. However, it was his late grandmother, Maw, who ignited his passion for cooking years before.

Austin asked Maw one day to help with her special banana pudding, a dessert the Underwood’s would have at family dinners”…you know, when you had to have a dessert at the end of each meal!”. He then asked her for the ingredients and started making it himself. He messed up a few batches, but finally got the hang of it.

Since Austin does not read, he purchases everything from branding, so he mixed up Eagle brand milk and Evaporated milk a couple of times, but once he gets something locked in, he remembers. The invention of the iPhone, Facetime and Siri have simplified his life tremendously. Also, we take photos of all products from him deciding on milk to what temperature to set the oven. Technology is amazing!

His love of food had him yearning to own his own restaurant. Some 16 years later, with the help of technology, his family and friends, and an amazing community to support him Austin opened Austin’s Underdawgs and became President Underwood

Colton has been working since he was 14 years old! He had to get a special work permit from the Board of Education to work at such a young age. He started at a cafe a few blocks from his school. He would walk down twice a week and work with the barista. He also bused tables and he served as a host. He held this job four years and only resigned because he was leaving for college. The restaurant is the Square Cafe; however, he tells his boss/owner on a regular basis that he will be buying it and changing it to Colton’s Cafe.

He then got a union job working at a grocery store Giant Eagle. He kept his job at the cafe the whole time. He worked 4 days a week at the store and worked one day a week at the cafe all while going to school. He paid union dues and was a full member. Colton worked at the grocery store for a year.

Colton has always wanted to work with kids! So he went to his former elementary school and got hired to work in their cafeteria. He worked there for two years and kept his cafe job. During the summer he worked at the schools ESY (Extended School Year). The younger kids at the school got to see a kid who had qualified and participated in ESY come and work and serve as a role model for them.

This summer Colton had the opportunity to work on the set of a commercial being filmed as a Production Assistant

Brittany Weiss works at Specs4Us, a company that sells eyeglass frames that are custom designed to fit individuals with Down syndrome. Brittany proudly wears an Erin’s World frame by Specs4Us frame as well and models that frame on their website. Brittany is an invaluable employee, and does everything from mailing out customer statements, replenishing stock, data entry and sending out postcards to potential customers. Brittany excels at every task she is given and prides herself in a job well done. She is always ready to learn something new. Recently, she has expressed an interest in answering the phone. She has begun training with a co-worker and will be answering the phone independently soon.
The office staff at Specs4Us enjoys working with Brittany. Her sweet spirit is a welcome addition to the office. She cares for all of her co-workers and offers words of encouragement throughout the day, as well as good-natured teasing.

Before coming to Specs4Us Brittany worked at River Copy and Mail where she scanned documents, did data entry, mailings and some piecework. Brittany says she developed a love for office work there and sought to find employment at an office when they closed. She also gained hands on job training from Two Café & Boutique in Chagrin, Ohio. As stated on their website, “The Two Café and Boutique exists to provide real work experience and employment for our job seeker in a fully integrated setting,” it is there that Brittany gained important work experience. She learned all about food preparation; re-stock skills, washing dishes and how to clean the restrooms. She also brought food to hungry customers, which increased her people skills allowing her bubbly personality to shine brighter. Maria, owner of Specs4Us, was introduced to Brittany and interviewed her at Two Café and Boutique as a part of their job placement program. Brittany’s work experience fit perfectly with the position Maria was looking to fill and she was impressed with her eagerness to work and outgoing attitude

Bethany began taking acting classes and having small parts in theater plays when she was around 6 years old. This really helped her social skills and gave her a desire to be involved in other things. She began cheerleading in the second grade and met her BFF Grace. She continued to cheer and became the first special needs person to be on the High School team. She got involved in different activities with her friend Grace during high school including being in the senior play. She was also the first special needs person to be voted homecoming queen at Whitmer High School. After graduation she got a job as a hostess at The Outback Steakhouse working part time. After about a year working she decided to keep her job but also to go to the University of Toledo through their T-square program. Grace was already attending there too so together they both joined the RockeThon committee. After weeks of practice dancing and raising money they attended the 14 hour day of the RockeThon. She had so much fun, never getting tired. At the end of the night they choose one college boy to be Mr. RockeThon and one girl to be Miss RockeThon. Out of all those students they choose Bethany to be Miss RockeThon. She was so excited. After one year of college Bethany decided she wanted to take acting classes at Starbound Talent Agency. She continues to work, helps in the community and dreams of going to Hollywood and being an actress or a singer