EMPLOYING ADULTS WITH INTELLECTUAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES

 I was only 20 years old when Spencer was born with Down Syndrome.  Our world was very different in 1990, it seemed like Spencer was one of the few.  I had to learn, change, reroute my career plans, and grow.  Spencer inspired me to become a special needs educator and I poured myself into my job.  28 years later, Spencer and I are ready to embark on another journey.  Spencer's Place is a coffee shop and bistro that will employ adults with intellectucal and developmental disabilities, enabling other adults like Spencer to earn a paycheck, build relationships with the community, gain a sense of purpose and show the community the beauty of inclusion and diversity.  

The national unemployment rate for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities is 80%.  Employed and Overjoyed is committed to decreasing this rate by helping adults with IDD find meaningful employment.