Don't overlook entrepreneurship as a possible post-school option! To learn more about being self-employed and the supports available, check out
this brochure from Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS). And see below for examples of successful businesses owned & operated by people with disabilities. Please consider supporting them when you can :-)
- HEXAGON is an award winning Detroit-based web design & branding company created by former Berkley student, Steven Hawring, class of 2011. Hexagon has experiences with a wide range of companies throughout the Detroit area, including Atwater Beer, Bamboo coworking space, and HOUR Detroit, as well as nonprofits such as the Belle Isle Conservancy and the Ferndale Housing Commision. Through his own self-determination, Steven focused on his goals, attended College for Creative Studies after high school, and opened his own company with an office in the WeWork building in Downtown Detroit. We couldn't be prouder of you, Steven! #BerkleyDifference
- AUTISTIC ATHLETICS Berkley High School Class of 2009 alum Andrew Ackner founded Autastic Athletics, the first ever sports and fitness training program designed for athletes with autism. See the note below from Andrew to Berkley Schools parents/guardians of students with autism:
Dear Berkley Autism Community Parents,
Hello, my name is Andrew Ackner, and I am the founder of Autistic Athletics, the first ever sports and fitness training program designed for autistic athletes, by autistic athletes! I am also a Berkley High School alumnus, two sport athlete, and Berkley Athletics wall of fame class of 2009 member for tennis! I would love for your child or young adult on the Spectrum to join my spring tennis program that will be starting in April every Friday through early June at Grant Park in nearby Clawson! The program is only $295 for your athlete to train for the 8-Week session. There will also be a summer and fall session as well so stay tuned! Being an athlete has given me so much passion, confidence and purpose in what I do in life! It is my goal to pass on my skills, knowledge and love for the game with the Autism Community! Please check out the enrollment page of my website where you can enroll your athlete.
Contact Andrew: andrew@autastic-athletics.com
Visit Autistic Athletics: www.autastic-athletics.com
- POPCORN FOR THE PEOPLE is a nonprofit established to create meaningful employment for individuals with Autism and disabilities. We aim to combat the current 80% Unemployment Rate in the Autistic community with the training and hiring of adults with Autism to create, cook, package, and sell uniquely flavored gourmet popcorn.
- TOO QUTE BOUTIQUE is an online store that carries specialty boutique brands focusing on comfortable, trendy, affordable styles for the modern woman, as well as home décor items & fashion accessories. Too Qute is owned by Sarah Fister-Brewer and Madeline Brewer. Sarah’s daughter Madeline was born with a rare chromosomal deletion called 2q23.1 Microdeletion Syndrome. The idea for Too Qute Boutique grew from their shared love for fashion, paired with a need for therapy that truly engaged Madeline. The paair started Too Qute with the vision of Madeline assisting in running the boutique after she ages out of school at 21, allowing her to live her most meaningful life possible!! We believe all people with developmental disabilities can actively contribute to society in various ways and be valued employees. Creating new pathways for her to grow within the business has been a joy!” Customers can shop online at TooQuteBoutique.com and on Facebook and Instagram @TooQuteBoutique.
- JOHN'S CRAZY SOCKS is a father-son venture inspired by co-founders Mark X. Cronin & John Lee Cronin. Mark's son, John, is a young man with Down syndrome. John’s affinity for crazy socks paired with his love of making people smile made their mission clear: they wanted to spread happiness. John's Crazy Socks has a social mission and a retail mission- and they are indivisible. John and his father, Mark, wanted to show what can be possible when you give someone a chance. Every day, they demonstrate what people with intellectual disabilities can do. And they believe in giving back: they donate 5 percent of their earnings to the Special Olympics as they’ve played a vital role in John’s development. They continue to expand their charity partners by offering and creating socks with specific “awareness” themes, such as their Autism Awareness Socks and Down Syndrome Awareness Socks.