Amy Wright is co-owner of the North Carolina-based coffee shop called Bitty & Beau’s Coffee. She says the idea for the shop came after the birth of two of her four children, Bitty and Beau, who were both born with Down Syndrome.
Wright and her husband were determined that children like hers should not be part of the nationwide statistic where 80% of people with developmental disabilities lack meaningful employment.
So, they began a coffee shop aimed at addressing the issue.
"Our focus is hiring people with disabilities, putting them on the front line, taking orders, making drinks and you can count on great customer service."
They now have 12 shops across the country and will be adding 15 more this year – including one at 305 South Main Street in Ann Arbor that will open later this summer.
A job fair to help fill the staff for the new Ann Arbor location is scheduled for tomorrow at the Michigan Union between 10 AM and 4 PM.
Non-commercial, fact based reporting is made possible by your financial support. Make your donation to WEMU todayto keep your community NPR station thriving.
Like 89.1 WEMU on Facebook and follow us on Twitter
Contact WEMU News at734.487.3363 or email us at studio@wemu.org
