Scott

Scott, 44, is shown here with one of his smoothie creations at A Special Blend cafe. The Florida native has worked several jobs prior to this one, including at Publix Supermarket, Pizza Hut, Winn Dixie Supermarket, and at Chili’s for five years, where he wrapped silverware. At A Special Blend, Scott’s tasks include preparing hot and cold beverages and warming muffins and bagels, each of which he can do independently.

Scott has also lived independently since 2019, which he says he enjoys because “it’s quiet, and he can do what he wants.” His parents live about 20 minutes away, and when he needs to, Scott will call them or a neighbor to chat, he says. His go-to foods and drinks to prepare for himself are microwaved TV dinners, sandwiches, his protein drinks, and his preferred "cold coffee.” (Same, Scott!) When not at the cafe, he likes to watch Power Rangers on Netflix, and play his hockey and Star Wars video games. Albums from the 1970s and 1980s are his favorites, as well as Disney’s “Frozen” soundtrack. He notes “Mary Poppins” and “Toy Story 4” as his top movie picks. In addition to these hobbies, Scott has previously been active as a stage actor and softball player.

Even more impressive is Scott’s academic history. In 2015, he became the recipient of a Ruby’s Rainbow scholarship, which is awarded to individuals with Down Syndrome pursuing higher education. Scott enrolled in the University of North Carolina at Greensboro’s Beyond Academics program for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities, which “emphasizes self-determination, life planning, and career development.” There he studied finance, mathematics, and computer science. Scott remained dedicated to his studies for four years, and in 2019 officially earned his Integrative Community Studies certificate.

Scott’s story is just one example of the empowerment that can come with education. T21 thanks Ruby’s Rainbow and Beyond Academics for their life-changing work in this field, and again to Inclusively and Delivering Jobs for helping provide post-graduate opportunities for amazing individuals like Scott.