Self-Advocate Businesses

One night at dinner we were talking about what kind of business we should have and out of the blue Zach said “I want a doughnut shop.” From that night on, we knew that one day we were going to have a doughnut shop. Down for Doughnuts offers doughnuts, muffins, coffee and other assorted foods and drinks. We have a relationship with a world class coffee company that sets us apart from all others.

Down Right Delicious Dog Treats was founded by Calli Jo and her mother, Nicki, in 2022. At our core, we are passionate about crafting healthy homemade dog treats that both your beloved pets and ours can enjoy! Our delicious treat selection includes peanut butter honey biscuits, wholesome beet treats, and irresistible peanut butter and pumpkin biscuits. Every batch is made with love and features only the finest ingredients, including whole wheat flour, premium peanut butter, pure honey, and nourishing flaxseed. 

Down Right Designs was created when Anna, a young adult with Down syndrome began experimenting for fun with fluid painting in 2018 with a friend. As friends and family began requesting paintings, Anna decided to make it a business. It has grown in the last few years to include having her art in several states and local shops. The business has expanded the products offered to include specialty tiles, ornaments, and other items.

Down-Right Perfect Gifts offers a collection of specially-designed handcrafted jewelry created by Hannah. Her goal is two-fold: she wants to use her creative gifts and voice to help raise awareness of the abilities, achievements, and contributions of people with Down syndrome while working toward her own personal goal of living and working independently.

Houston Vandergriff is a globe-trotting photographer. His award winning photography has been showcased in solo shows, galleries, juried competitions, and in arts and travel magazines. His fine art prints and photo-related merchandise are for sale on his website. You can follow his adventures on Instagram and TikTok @downsandtowns.

Dreamers Merchants Coffee Company began when Diane Grover learned of the low rate of employment of individuals with a disability. In hopes of creating a job for her daughter, Mary Ellen, Diane started a coffee company. Today Dreamers can be found in many states and growing. Every purchase allows us to hire individuals of all abilities in an inclusive environment. Try all three of our Specialty Grade Dreamers Blend Coffees!

Dusty Dutton, 44, is a talented and experienced entertainer. She has Down syndrome, and uses her unique sense of humor to bring her hand puppets to life. She has formal training in working with young children, and never fails to bring smiles to their faces. Dusty has been in business as a puppeteer and puppet retailer for 14 years! She is a member of the Puppeteers of America and the San Francisco Bay Area Puppetry Guild.

Embrace Marketplace is an e-commerce store led by Ashlee Crater that will feature apparel and handmade creations made by people with disabilities. The mission is to celebrate and highlight the strengths that people with intellectual and or/developmental disabilities bring to their communities by offering opportunities for entrepreneurship or meaningful employment

Emmett Kyoshi Wilson is an abstract artist, primarily painting in acrylic mixed media. Since age four, Emmett has created over 80 pieces which have been featured in three gallery showings over the last three years, including a commission to paint the American Flag for the American Embassy in Croatia. His internationally acclaimed art is available for purchase as originals, signed giclée prints and into wearable art with hoodies, blankets and tee shirts.

Empathy 321’s mission is to empower people with Down Syndrome of all ages to become self-advocates in their homes, schools, workplaces, and communities. We do this by providing training on how to speak up about one’s individual wants, needs, and rights in everyday life. Empathy 321 also promotes the growing independence of individuals with Down Syndrome by training employers, educators, and organizations on how to provide full inclusion for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

We were founded in 2010, and are a gourmet specialty coffee business located in the Furnace Hills of Westminster, Maryland. Every day, we fulfill our customers wishes by supplying them with freshly roasted bags of specialty coffee and delivering it right to their doorsteps.

Gabi's Grounds is an advocate for the value, inclusion, and acceptance of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We promote equal access to persons with disabilities in our workplace. We create market value that includes everyone in an enriched community while providing great coffee and a unique customer service experience.