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Happy Monday!
A while ago I asked my friends and followers on Instagram to help me compile a list of companies that are either disability owned, or that have a mission that strongly supports the disability community and I finally have that list ready for you! I know it’s already the 9th of December, but there is still plenty of time to squeeze in a little more Christmas shopping and what better way than supporting small, disability owned or disability centered businesses?
You might notice that many of these companies aren’t owned by people with disabilities (but many are!), but rather they aim to hire people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and this is still very important. Why? Because more than 80% of people with intellectual disabilities are unemployed and I greatly appreciate companies who’s mission it is to provide work for those who most of the workforce consider “un-hire able.” That being said, keep in mind that sometimes organizations and companies that appear to be doing good can actually be exploiting this labor force since it is completely legal to pay people with disabilities less than minimum wage. (Goodwill is an example of this.) So I’ve tried to compile a list of companies that appear to be actually motivated to help the disability community and not exploit them. However, if I’ve missed something please let me know! Also, most of the companies listed below have an online shop where you can purchase goods, however some of them are local businesses only–which I’ve listed separately and by area. XO, Miggy
Tiny and Snail is a stationary company started by sisters Grace and Leah in the spring of 2016. In 2018 Leah (aka Tiny) was in an life altering accident and she became paralyzed from the armpits down, and her right leg was amputated. But she could still draw! Thanfully they’ve been able to turn toward their passion and business together. They have fabulous card sets you can purchase and the offer custom work as well.
Izzy Wheels is a company that makes wheelcovers for manual wheelchairs. Additionally, Izzy Wheels is co-founded by Irish sisters Issy and Ailbhe, and they now collaborate with artists and designers from all over the world to transform wheelchairs into fashion statements.
BillyFootwear–Fashion Forward shoes that are actually made with Universal Design in mind. Co-founded by Billy Price, a man who became paralyzed after an accident in 1996.
Ivy’s Heirlooms is small handmade, vintage inspired clothing shop that will also personalize the arm length of their sweaters for a child with limb differences. Ivy’s Heirlooms was started by mother Jennifer when her beautiful baby, Ivy, was born with limb differences.
Adapted James–Custom disability products, at accessible prices. Think weighted blankets, fidget puzzles, adaptive clothing and more. James himself is a disabled, autistic adult living in England.
WheelChair Rapunzel & Co is a online shop founded by disabled boss babe, advocate, creative, and social media influencer Alex Dacy. Each piece is designed specifically to empower each customer to culminate self-love & body positivity in style.
Littlest Warrior is a t-shirt and apparel company started by mother Michelle, when her youngest son Eli was born with Down syndrome. You’ve probably seen some of these great shirts around that make for wonderful conversation starters, and are a great way to show support for the disability community in general. Additionally, Michelle choose a different disability focused charity each month and donates 10% of their profits to that charity.
Charlie’s Project–Clothing for a cause was created by Charlie’s mom to bring awareness to autism & down syndrome on behalf of 7 year old Charlie. Their mission is to support organizations with proceeds from purchases of Charlies Project products. They donate 20% of profits to select charities.
The BeeCommunity is a post-secondary vocational program that provides a place of belonging, meaningful work and lifelong learning for adults with intellectual disabilities to work and belong. The Bee artisans make beautiful handmade products in a supportive work environment and that are for sale in their online shop.
Sunflower Bakery and Café Sunflower are dedicated to providing skilled job training and employment for adults 18+ with learning differences in pastry arts, production baking, barista service and front of house operations.
Furnace Hill Coffee is great coffee directly sourced from great farmers, powering our mission to emply people with developmental disabilities. You can purchase their coffee online.
Visionaries + Voices is a non-profit organization that provides exhibition opportunities, studio space, supplies, and support to more than 125 visual artists with disabilities.
Colletty’s cookies is a bakery founded by a woman with Down Syndrome after getting rejected for nearly every place of employment she applied to. She is also on a mission to create jobs for people with disabilities, change the public perception of just how capable this population truly is, and work with Congress in Washington, D.C. to adopt policies that would abolish the 14c Exemption to the Fair Labor Standards Act, and provide tax incentives to employers that hire workers with a disability. You can purchase cookies online.
Dance Happy Designs is a silkscreen print studio founded by three friends Julia, Liv and Emily which produces handcrafted textile products featuring their original patterns. Julie has Down syndrome and is also their lead designer. (I just purchased 3 of their zipper bags this morning!)
Gabi’s Grounds was founded by Gabi, a woman with Down syndrome and her mother, after she couldn’t find a job. Gabi decided to sell coffee with the hopes of one day opening her own coffee shop! And yes, like other retailers listed you can purchase online.
Bitty and Beau’s Coffee shop, which currently has 3 locations (with a 4th opening soon) was started by Amy Wright, a mother of 4 who’s 2 youngest children, Bitty and Beau, have down syndrome. They currently employ 80 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and have a slew of products ranging from coffee, to aprons and apparel you can buy online.
You could hire Make Just Right a youth design consultancy team that helps products and services be more inclusive.
All Access Life is a one stop shop for all your accessibility needs! Founders Bradley, born with cerebral palsy, and Dan, his aid for the past 10 years, have created a website that updates the latest trends and movements in accessible technology, apps, and general information.
Beco is a soap company out of the UK that hires people with disabilities (currently 80% of their staff are disabled) and not only do they hire them, they encourage other companies to steal their employees. What a great idea! Giving people with disabilities a start in employment, and then encouraging other companies to hire them as well. Oh and their soap is biodegradable and can come in 100% recyclable packaging as well.
John’s Crazy Socks is a father/son enterprise inspired by John who has Down syndrome and who loves colorful, crazy socks! Over half of their employees have disabilities and they donate 5% of their earnings to the Special Olympics.
Jacob’s Ladder an online shop of products made by Jacob who has autism and was considered unemployable. They also hope to be able to offer other items made by people with disabilities in the future as well.
Hot Wheels and Glue Guns is a paper goods, gifts and scrapbook store. The owner, Michelle, also a wheelchair user, offers custom scrapbooking and photo organization services! Sounds amazing!
By Mara is online shop with a brick and mortar location in Brooklyn. And while I can’t find any information online about their backstory, it’s clear they sell products that bring awareness to the deaf community. If anyone knows anything about Mara, who she is and her mission please let me know!
The Milkweed Market was created by Opportunity Development Centers, Inc. as a business with a mission: to empower people with disabilities to achieve their work and life goals. They sell a variety of home goods.
The primary vision of Able ARTS Work is to provide lifelong learning, community service and vocational opportunities through the creative arts for people of all abilities and all ages in an environment of warmth, encouragement and inclusion. You can purchase art and crafts made by disabled artisans here.
Well this is brilliant! GirlAgain.com is a resale boutique for gently used American Girl Dolls, clothing and furniture. It is operated by Yes She Can Inc., a nonprofit organization that teaches and develops job skills for young women with autism.
Lamb’s Farm is a lot of things, including a training facility for people with developmental disabilities as well as a residential facility, etc. They mission is “helping people with developmental disabilities lead productive, happy lives and connecting with the human spirit in all of us.” You can shop their goods here.
Brody’s be Cafe in Grand Rapids, MI is coffee shop that provides a safe and enjoyable work environment for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities along with other special needs. You can purchase some of Brody’s be gear here.
Grace Key is the creator of Candidly Kind, a t-shirt and apparel company. She’s a 21 year old entrepreneur who has used writing, drawing and painting throughout her life to express herself and she also has Down syndrome. Grace is the designer, painter, order entry tech, label maker, packer, wrapper, shipper and letter writer (she writes to every customer) She has the help of her family but she does a bit of everything and that’s how she likes it!
Local Businesses Only:
If you live in California you could support Clarissa Hidalgo Yoga, a studio that specializes in accessible yoga for all bodies.
Dialogue Coffee House in Topeka, Kansas employs people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Local ordering only.
If you live in Reno you could gift someone a gym membership at, Upstate Nevada, a non-profit crossfit gym for people of all abilities.
If you live in Salt Lake City or Dallas you can support Howdy’s Homemade Ice Cream. They make and sell delicious Ice Cream and employ people with intellectual disabilities.
Thank you so much for featuring us (Jacob’s Ladder) as a disability based business on your blog! I didn’t realize we were featured until I viewed our website stats and saw that we had several referrals from this blog. What an honor to be profiled with so many awesome businesses. We are so proud of all that Jacob is accomplishing as he proves those who labeled him unemployable wrong every single day.