We want to hear about your employment or entrepreneurial success story! NDSS is featuring stories from across the country from the perspective of employees and entrepreneurs with Down syndrome. Please complete the form below and submit a picture of a self-advocate in action!
I have worked more than 15 years at the Westchester Institute for Human Development, a University Center of Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD), affiliated with New York Medical College. As the Self-Advocacy Coordinator, I promote self-determination and person-centered practices; and also coordinate a self-advocacy group that has educational meetings. I also teach medical students, graduate students and physicians; and develop training curriculum on health and transition. I am a liaison to local, state and national organizations. One of the biggest successes of my job was to start a self-advocacy group at our Institute about five years ago. I am the staff member who coordinates all of the activities for “Hear our Voices”, a self-advocacy group of young adults and adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities living in the area of Westchester County, New York. This group believes in advocating for ourselves and for each other; and for speaking up on issues that affect us. We provide a forum to learn about these issues and to develop advocacy and leadership skills. Our members are aware and informed on the supports and services in our community and able to help others to advocate for themselves. Our series of monthly educational and social meetings are held here at the Westchester Institute for Human Development and when we get together, we talk about important topics of interest to us with invited discussion leaders who are faculty or staff at WIHD or are experienced professionals from our community. Some of our members help us to train graduate students and medical students by sharing our own personal stories and experiences
Hi, my name is Valoree Lisi. This is my story on my successful journey of how I have achieved four jobs; two paid jobs and two volunteer jobs. I began working when I was 14 as a volunteer for the Hudson Valley SPCA. I still volunteer once a week for 4 hours, 13 years later! When I was 17 I began working for Price Chopper as a bagger in Newburgh NY. I have been working there for over 10 years.
I am also currently working for Newburgh Enlarged School District, as a cafeteria prep worker. I have worked there for 3 years and will be getting retirement benefits!
I am also a Self – Advocate working with the Down Syndrome Association of Hudson Valley and have been for four years. I helped make the ABLE Act become law of the land.
I went to 3 online colleges and I received 3 diplomas for cooking, catering, and natural health consulting. I have written 2 cookbooks and I am working on my 3rd cookbook
Joel began attending a day habilitation program in the Fall of 1989. He was seriously interested in laundry work but none was available in his metro suburb. His Case Manager suggested a job at the Washington County Government Center, creating a position with his day program in the Community Services division.
As a clerical worker in Community Social Services he and his daily job coach work on stuffing envelopes and collating and assembling packets on adoption, aging , child support, chemical dependency and foster care. One of his coworkers said “Joel is a timesaver.” His coworkers also agree he takes pride in his work and he is respected throughout the Government Center. Joel loves his job, hates to miss a day and many have said if they’re having a bad day Joel can help them turn it around.
Joel has lived with 3 other guys in a group home since 1994. He loves to bowl and dance and really enjoys traveling. He’s been to Hawaii, Fiji, the Tonga Islands, Mexico and many US States. He loves weekend visits home to see his Mom and family.
On February 4, 2020 a celebration was held for him for 30 years as a Washington County Community Services employee. The County Board Declared it as “Joel Loer Day.” It was attended by current and retired employees of the County, County Board members, group home staff and family and friends. We are all very proud of this young man
I decided to start my own pet-sitting/walking business. My business is called “Kelly’s Kritters.” I started it to earn money while I go to school. I LOVE animals, so this is a great job for me. I actually have had to turn down work because I have so many animals to take care of now.! I make over $15 an hour and will probably hire another walker to help soon. Right now my mom is helping when I am busy. I love it! It is fun and it keeps me in shape!
I never thought about having my own business before. Nobody told me I just needed an idea. I had job experiences in my Transition Program, Go-Backs, Sorting underwear and boring stuff like that. Then I got a job at a grocery store facing shelves and doing carts. I hate the carts. I quit. Then I got a job at Home Depot. More carts. I quit that job too. I got to be on the TV show Born this Way and love it so much. I give speeches to groups all over the country, and now in other countries because I spoke in Canada too.
I told my mom that my speech was boring and told her what I wanted it to say. She helped me do a new PowerPoint with pictures and my words. It’s called, “It Could Happen, That’s What Faith Can Do.”
And I tell the stories of my big dreams and when they happened and then I say, “That’s What Faith Can Do.” I get the audience to say, “It Could Happen,” when I tell my big dreams to them. One day I’m going to give the speech in Angel Stadium to a lot of people.
After mom and I finished the PowerPoint I told her we needed T-Shirts and hats and mugs and bags that said, “It Could Happen,” and “That’s What Faith Can Do.”
She listened and called her friend who is an artist and she told us how to do it. Mom thought it was a good idea and helped me get the shirts to look like what I wanted them to.
I explained to Mom what I wanted the shirts to say and what they should look like, she drew what I said (not very good) and sent it to the designer and they made it like I said. Then I told them ok, or change things depending on if I liked it or not.
We got the first two and now I keep thinking of things that should be on a shirt.
Mom helped me name the company, “Seanese” because I speak my own language. I say things backwards sometimes and it can be funny. Now I get to be a model too with my shirts, mugs and bags.
I’m going to have a poster and some pillows but those aren’t done yet and I have a lot more ideas about things to put on shirts. Check it out at seanese.com
I wanted a job working with kids and I just got the perfect job for me. I’m going to work at a trampoline park helping little kids and helping with their birthday parties and I can’t wait it will be so fun.
And now I speak to groups, work on Born this Way, have my own business and work at a trampoline park. I think I have a really great life. Now maybe I can save enough money to buy a house on the beach with a pool
Through the years Katie McNamee has volunteered at Acme Supermarkets and Senior Nursing Centers but from the young age of 13, Katie’s dream job has always been something involving music. After working very hard for the past year with a non-profit organization All Together Now Music, Katie has finally had her dream come true!
She worked very hard for the past year not only singing her own songs but also writing her own lyrics for the songs! To our knowledge, there is not anyone out there with Down Syndrome who has accomplished this wonderful feat! Katie’s CD is titled Power Of The Music and was released on April 27th, 2019! It is available for download at www.alltogethernowmusic.com/katie where you can also find a music video that was put together.
In her spare time, Katie volunteers at a social program for developmentally delayed young adults named Kate’s Place, a program that was started in her honor
My name is Sami and I am a guest services ambassador for the Chicago Cubs. I get people in Gallagher Way and help people feel welcome. I also get to get people during concerts too! I love what I do!
Jose has worked at Brewability for a little over 4 years now. Brewability is a pizza and brewery that hires folks of all abilities. It is a super fun place that gives him and his coworkers a place to shine. You can find Jose working in the kitchen or joining one of the local bands to sing or dance. He loves to entertain and loves his job.
As a Senior in high school, I went with my teacher to a local restaurant and asked for a job. I started my first job at a restaurant in my town. I work two days a week for 2 hours each day. I love working there and am learning so much. I even get tips. My boss likes me working there. She is proud of all I do. Everyone is so nice and helps me. I like that I get the opportunity like my friends to work. I am proud of myself.
Kelly is a young lady with Down syndrome and this company was created to assist Kelly in leading a fulfilled and productive life after school came to an end for her. She loves fashion, style and bling, so what better way to express that than to create fashionable jewelry! Special Sparkle is a mother/daughter team where we work together to design and Kelly makes ALL the jewelry! We have been in business for 8 years and continue to grow and thrive! Check us out on Facebook and Instagram and at specialsparkle.com
My name is Willie Pestolesi aka DJ WILLPOWER. I attended Irvine High School where I earned a varsity letter for 4 years as a manager of the football team. During Senior year I was voted Prom King, named one of the 10 Pacesetters, and joined the Hip Hop Club. It was then that I dreamed of becoming a D.J. but first I needed to get a job.
After High School while attending the Adult Transition Program, I learned various skills including working at a supermarket and was able to talk about this during an “informal interview” while playing golf in a Special Olympics tournament. I didn’t know I was talking with a director from Albertsons and he placed a call to the local store manager and asked him to set up an interview. I was hired and have been working full time for 14 years as a courtesy clerk.
Another dream was to live on my own. I participated in a pilot program with Social Security which allowed me to save money to be used for either a car, business, or home. Because of my job, I was able to save enough money each month towards a home. The neighboring City of Tustin happened to have a new development that included some affordable housing units and I qualified for the project. I was lucky to select a one bedroom condo and move in on June 1st, 2007. I am able to pay all my bills because of my job at Albertsons.
I began learning how to be a DJ after my parents bought me a mixer which played CDs. With the help from my father, himself a musician, I now have my own D.J. business called DJ WILLPOWER. For the last 11 years, I have upgraded my system to include lights, sound and now all my music is on the computer. I perform for events sponsored by organizations that promote and support the abilities of individuals with special needs. My regular gigs include dances and activities for the Down Syndrome Association of Orange County, Down Syndrome Association of Los Angeles, and the City of Irvine Disabilities Services. Additionally, I’ve performed for state and local Best Buddies chapters.
My passion is music and I enjoy spending time choosing music, learning dance moves, and keeping up with the latest entertainment
I am Jake Pratt, and I am from Vestavia Hills, Alabama. I am 21 years old and I am a Clemson graduate. I am a hard worker and I am organized. I was looking for a job and my neighbors, Joey and Wade, told me I should apply to UPS because they both work there. I was hired by UPS as a helper for the holidays. I have been training with my driver, Richard Wilson, and I am now working up to 8 hours per day. I love my job because I like to see people and tell them Happy Holidays. I like bringing them their packages they are waiting on. Richard is awesome and he has helped me learn everything about my job. I want to say thank you to UPS for hiring me. I hope my story makes people happy and that I can be a role model for kids with Down Syndrome.”
Jake has accomplished so much in his life and continues to raise awareness and break down barriers. During his senior year in high school, Jake gained national attention for earning a spot on the Vestavia Hills football team and scoring a touchdown. The video of that touchdown went viral and prompted many media appearances where Jake was able to promote inclusion and show the world that he, and others with Down Syndrome, are fully capable of achieving their dreams. Jake’s biggest dream was to attend college, and he was accepted into the Clemson LIFE program, where he thrived. Since graduation, Jake has been able to obtain two jobs. He works with the grounds department at a local golf course from 6:00 AM – 10:00 AM. Then, he is off to his second job with UPS delivering packages up to 8 hours per day. While Jake was initially hired by UPS as a seasonal position, his dedication and hard work have already earned accolades and Jake is hoping to transition to a more permanent role with the company. When Jake was born, our family was told many negative things, including the statement that Jake would “never be a functional member of society.” We were blessed to have many people from the Down Syndrome community who reached out to show support and provide hope for Jake’s future. This is why it is so important for us to pay it forward and allow Jake to shine like the superstar he is. Jake is strong, independent, and motivated and we are so thankful that UPS is willing to see his abilities as the individual that he is. Jake has a goal of living independently and we have no doubt that he will continue to make his dreams come true