Rejected Man With Autism Opens Coffee Shop To ‘Change’ People’s Views On Workers With Disabilities
Jul 27, 2022 by apost team
For many people, getting a job is something that they need to do in order to take care of themselves and pay for their necessities. Whether it be part-time or full-time, having a job can help bring in extra income and hopefully provide a sense of security to working individuals.
Unfortunately, not everyone is able to work or is able to get a job. Sadly, many people who have disabilities have been unable to find work because a lot of companies are unwilling to hire them. However, this could also depend on the company’s policies.
According to the United States Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics, 19.1% of people with a disability were employed in 2021, which was up from 17.9% in 2020. For people without disabilities, 63.7% were employed in 2021, which also went up from 61.8% in 2020.
Still, some people struggle to find employment and companies that are willing to give them a chance. This was the case for Michael Coyne. He began searching for jobs when he was 21 years old but had no luck. He was constantly rejected by employers who were unwilling to hire him, seemingly because he has a disability.
Rather than let the wave of rejection get Michael down, he persevered and decided to take matters into his own hands. The 21-year-old took a chance and decided that if no one else would hire him, then he would hire himself, leading to him opening up his own business – a coffee shop – in Rhode Island in 2019.
Be sure to reach the end of this article to see the full video :-)
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Michael has autism, but he didn't let the rejections from employers bring him down. In fact, it must have given him the inspiration to take his destiny into his own hands because he decided to start his own business. He and his mother founded a coffee shop in North Smithfield, Rhode Island, called Red, White & Brew.
The store has a Facebook page that describes the mission of the business:
"We are a family owned coffee shop serving up more than a cup of coffee. We employ people with developmental disabilities, encourage community engagement, and change the way the world sees those with disabilities."
Speaking about his business with WPRI, Michael said, “It’s just a beacon of hope for people with disabilities.” He has autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and bipolar disorder. Michael has also participated in the Special Olympics of Rhode Island, which is what initially helped him engage in a hospitality program with hopes of one day working in a restaurant.
“As soon as I turned 21 and applied (for a job), they did not hire me,” Michael said. The rejections kept coming, so Michael shifted gears. With his parents’ help and support, he opened up his own coffee shop. He also took business classes through the Rhode Island Developmental Disability Center.
“As parents, we look at our kids and see the value,” Michael’s mother, Sheila Coyne, said. “We see what they are capable of, instead of the system that’s constantly labeling them and putting barriers.”
She added: “I couldn’t be more proud of him. He’s done amazing things. And he’s just a really good human being. You feel that when you come in.”
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What do you think about this man’s efforts in opening his own business? Let us know, and be sure to pass this inspiring story along to your family and friends.