Self-Advocate Businesses

Little BIG Dog Treats is more than just a business; it is the realization of Cailyn's life-long dream to own a business and work alongside her mom. Established in January 2016, our handcrafted dog treats are made with only the freshest, most natural ingredients because we believe your pup deserves the best! Every step of making our dog treats is done by hand and is "Made with love for the dogs we love ~ little to BIG!" Grab some treats today from our online shop or find our treats at select stores across the country!

Loomed with Love is a small business in which Victoria handcrafts meaningful loom products including bracelets and keychains. With over 11 colors, 12 meaningful word charms, and a variety of designs, the possibilities to customize a product you can call your own are endless. Victoria hopes to inspire individuals to uniquely express themselves while contributing to non-profit organizations. She hopes people love her special creations just as much as she loves making them!

At Mallory Paige Designs, all our designs are made with 100% real leather and are handcrafted by someone with a “different ability” as well as someone who loves them. You'll find the initials serve as authenticity of who directly benefits from your purchase. You can confidently wear our designs knowing they were lovingly designed and created by the hands of someone who loves what they do.

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.

Nate's Funky Pics sells his photos at numerous markets and craft fairs in the suburban Philadelphia region. He posts these photos on his social media sites (Facebook and Instagram) and his Etsy store where he sells the prints. Nate has won awards for his photography including the 2017 Perspective Award from the Down Syndrome Association in London, England. Nate donates a portion of his sales to PALS Programs – the summer camp that he has attended since he was 15.

No Rulz Art was created to provide a social and recreational atmosphere for persons with differing abilities to have an outlet for creativity while gaining meaningful employment. With each artist as a business stakeholder, we are committed to demonstrating that everyone is capable of contributing when given the opportunity. Our extensive inventory of tie-dye apparel ensures that we have the perfect tie-dye garment to showcase your personality.

"Olivia the Series" is a collection of children's books written by Engelic Everett that were designed to inspire and uplift readers of all ages! With a focus on themes like anti-bullying, respect, manners, and self-compassion, each book aims to foster kindness and empathy. Grab your copies today and join Engelic and Olivia in spreading positivity — one story at a time.

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.

Precious Kreations, Inc. was founded in 2020 during the COVID-19 Pandemic by Precious who happens to have Down syndrome and her mother. PK offers fashionable jewelry such as earrings, necklaces, charms and bracelets wearable by children and adults. In addition a full jewelry collection, t-shirts, hair accessories and more. Precious is a Diva Fashionista shouting “Just because you have a disAbility; does not mean you can't be stylish”.

Zach loves science and working with his hands. With everyone “washing their hands”, Zach and his mom (who works in health care) created the recipes for soothing, organic, artisan goat milk and honey soaps. Handmade in small batches- from Zachary's hands to yours.