Success Stories

My name is Allison Fogarty and I am CEO of Doggy Delights by Allison LLC. Check out my website – DoggyDelightsByAllison.com. You can check out my dog treats and read more about my life story and my business.

My amazing life journey began when I was born in 1991. My life has been difficult due to Tracheo-Esophageal Fistula and laryngeal cleft (not discovered until I was 11 years old). I had a trach for 23 years, and when I was 11 years old I got a g-tube. I also have Down syndrome.

My medical problems were not easy to live with, and I missed out on a lot. However, these difficulties made me the person I am today. When I could not eat or drink I became obsessed with cooking shows, and this passion turned into my business. I love all things kitchen – I took cooking classes, and I watch chefs on TV and YouTube, read and try recipes, plan menus, and now make and sell dog treats. I mix the recipes, form the shapes and bake them all by myself. Doggy Delights by Allison is a great business for me because I get to work in the kitchen. I also like preparing the packaging for the treats. I have a lot of fun selling my treats. I meet a lot of people and a lot of dogs, too.

I am very thankful to the Down Syndrome Association of Central Florida (DSACF) because right when we moved to FL from IL they began their first Entrepreneur Academy. I am one of 12 CEOs in the Academy. Being a part of the Academy has helped me (and my sidekicks – my parents) learn how to start a business. The leaders of the Academy are wonderful cheerleaders and encourage us, give important information, bring in speakers, and help us problem solve. Other participants have given us good ideas and feedback, too

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

My son Rusty graduated from Perry Meridian H.S. in 2013 . He had an immediate position in the University of Indianapolis cafeteria. Through his teachers efforts from school. He worked with a job coach for 1 week then we agreed that he no longer needed a coach. He has currently been asked to join a team at a Oral Therapist office where he receives services himself. He really likes his job! The picture is of Rusty working in a therapy session with his Oral Therapist and another client Leo . He likes this job because he gets to do something different every day he works. He sanitizes therapy toys and tables, walks the office therapy dog, and occasionally get to help with a client. I am so proud of Rusty, I know he can do anything!

I work at Swirlz and I get to do everything! I can use the cash register and I love it. I am 35 and have worked other places but I only got to wash dishes and sweep. I have taught myself to be motivated with filling cups, napkins and toppings. I feel very important at Swirlz. I have been at the job for 2 years. I love to meet new customers and they learn my name and we become friends. I also love being part of the Swirlz team of employees.

My job makes me feel proud. You can see pictures of me on Facebook: Swirlz, Smoothies & Frozen Yogurt My advice for other individuals with Down syndrome is to learn to count money, especially coins and don’t give up. Believe in yourself and keep dreaming big. Think about what is the next right thing to do and do it before your boss asks

“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!”

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

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

I am the Legislative Specialist at the State House in Boston. I also work with the Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress and I do very well with legislation to help them sponsor all of their bills. I focus on all areas of bills. Politics is the field I like to be in. I am hoping that someday I can run for office. I would love to work in Washington, D.C. full time, earning a good income and getting married someday. I like to prove to people that I can get the job done! I have been a Legislative Specialist for about 5 years now.

My favorite part of my job is the social relationships I create with people in the State House and in D.C. and I hope to carry on with help from MDSC and my mom. I am a man of many dreams and I am going to stick to what I like to do. I like working in my own office and getting paid.

When people come to the office, I ask how I can help them. I also tell them whether my colleagues are in or out. I can take the issues for them.

My job makes me feel satisfied. I love this job! I want to be recognized for all of the skills, talents and everything else that I have to offer.

When I was younger I had all kinds of dreams about what kind of job I wanted. I hope that someday I am persistent in getting what I need for myself. I feel like my dreams come true.

For a job: you need to get along with each other when you work in an office, always do your best, be on top of everything and carry on.

Be persistent and never give up!

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

I work as the Dining Room Service Lead at my local Chick-fil-a. I have been working there since April, 2017. I love meeting people and greeting them. I also like taking the trays and getting drinks for people. I look forward to getting dressed up and going in. I like the responsibility-it makes me feel grown up. I enjoy earning money and eating at Chick-fil-a.

All individuals with Down Syndrome should be given a chance to be trained and be productive. This really is important to the community and we should all have that opportunity. My school has provided that opportunity to and enabled Chick-fil-a to see what a hard worker I am

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 am the owner of Blake’s Snow Shack in Sanger, Texas. Some may say that I am an example of a hardworking man that wanted to start my own business, but truly, I simply wanted to bring delicious snow to my community of Sanger.

My story starts in 1996, when my mom and dad, Billy and Mary Ann Pyron brought me into the world and soon thereafter we’re told I had Down syndrome. They were told often of all the things I “wouldn’t be able to do” or “couldn’t do”, but still they raised me with love, God and lots of perseverance. Soon they started to see all the things I “would do” and “could do” in the future. My childhood had its obstacle like anyone’s childhood, but I proved resilient with what my mom says is my infectious smile and heart of gold. In high school everyone knew I was going places. I was two-time captain of the Varsity football team, Prom King and Texas citizen of the year! However, little did anyone expect I’d bring snow to Sanger.

It was the Summer of 2015 and a very exciting time for my family as I was graduating high school. With that excitement was also nerves of “what’s next for Blake?” I was working at a local BBQ restaurant but they were closing, so I needed to find employment elsewhere. My family and I spent the summer researching options. We knew that I loved my customers and friends at the BBQ restaurant, so my family and I knew the business would need to be downtown Sanger for me to continue developing those relationships.

As you might expect, Texas is a very hot state and Texans love snow cones. So as a family, we did our homework and decided a snow cone stand was indeed a viable business for us. Since day one, I was thrilled. I picked out the concession trailer, presented my business plan to the City of Sanger, and haven’t looked back.

The grand opening of Blake’s Snow Shack was on Mother’s Day weekend 2016, and it was a success, with a crowd of more than 1000 people. Since then we’ve had numerous TV interviews and even had Blake’s Snow Shack logo on a NASCAR that ran this last month at Pocono. My small town business has been featured on international news, appeared in the Huffington Post, A&E Latinoamerica, Unworthy, Reddit and even on the Today Show Australia. And my business has been recognized by Texas Governor Greg Abbott, Texas Senator Ted Cruz and the US Senate.

This #NationalEntrepreneurshipMonth, I want to thank my parents, Billy and Mary Ann Pyron for always believing in me and teaching me to believe in myself. Blake’s Snow Shack and my dream of bringing snow to Sanger couldn’t have happened without them. I love being Blake of Blake’s Snow Shack, a role that gives me the opportunity to bring a smile and some snow to all my customers and friends. Not to mention, I’m showing the world that those with Down Syndrome don’t just make great employees, but also successful business owners when given the chance.

My family and I want all self-advocates, like me, to have the opportunity to follow their entrepreneurship dreams, so in 2016 we established the NDSS #DSWORKS® Blake Pyron Entrepreneurship Scholarship.The scholarship will be awarded at the 2016 Buddy Walk® on Washington for a self-advocate to pursue their dreams and aspirations of starting their own business.

Thank you for reading my story and I hope it showed you that anything is possible— even snow in Sanger