Wouldn’t be wonderful to give a gift that gives twice this holiday season? If you’re searching for the perfect gifts to give, please consider supporting one of these wonderful artists and entrepreneurs who just so happen to be physically or developmentally challenged. You may also consider supporting a business that empowers the disabled. Whichever you choose, you can be confident that yours will be the gift that does more than meets the eye.
Happy Holidays!
Businesses Run By Disabled Artists/Entrepreneurs These products are made by an individual with a disability and the store is run largely through their own efforts.
Allie Art is the colorful creation of Allie Guard, a young woman with Down Syndrome from Cincinnati who is drawn to the magic of color. Allie also makes and sells jewelry.
Oliver Hellowell Photography Oliver is a young man living in the UK with a wonderful eye for photographing nature and wildlife. Check out his gallery for beautiful gift ideas including greeting cards.
My Imagiville DJ Svobada is an artist who just happens to be austistic. He creates this alternate-world, “Imagiville” with different kinds of people in it. He sells all kinds of super-cool things on his site. DJ sells greeting cards, prints and books.
Megology Megan Bomgaars is a well known self-advocate with Down Syndrome, an artist and a rising entrepreneur. Loving to share her life experiences with others, she has developed her skills as a public speaker and travels across the country giving keynote speeches and presentations on a variety of topics. Megology sells lots of beautiful items including onesies, hand-dyed silk scarves, men’s silk ties, tote bags and yoga pants.
Grace Quantock is the driving force behind Healing Boxes, delightful, practical and ethically filled gift boxes for people dealing with illness or tough times. Healing Boxes are designed to comfort, uplift and provide support and are full of thoughtfully chosen, beautiful, yet pragmatic items.
Businesses That Work with the Disabled and/or Give Back to the Disability Community
Crazy Aaron’s Thinking Putty is a large employer of people with disabilities. In fact, Crazy Aaron’s employs more than 800 exceptional individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities across seven Philadelphia-area vocational centers.
Yo! Disabled and Proud is an organization that helps empower youth and others with disabilities. They have a fantastic online gift shop, chock-full of great stuff like books related to the disability rights movement, disability pride and power.
Finally, if you are curious about which businesses have a good track record recruiting, hiring and retaining employees with disabilities and which support accommodation, check out Return on Disability’s 2016 Annual Report. Here you will find an analysis of practically every aspect of employment and disability within major firms in the United States and Canada.
