START UP | Self-Employment Technical Assistance, Resources, & Training | Business Ownership for People with Disabilities

Description: Joe Steffy is an individual with multiple complex developmental disabilities. In April 2005, Joe became the owner of the Poppin Joe's Kettle Korn. Joe is directly involved with the operation of the kettle corn business. He knows the popping process and has mastered all skills of the operation.

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Poppin' Joe's Kettle Korn shows how special-needs children can fare as adults - Joe Steffy is off to Overland Park, Kan., this week to do a PowerPoint presentation on his business, Poppin' Joe's Kettle Korn. He's a 23-year-old small-business man with a goal of $100,000 in sales by 2012. Joe also has autism and Down syndrome and is nonverbal. When he gives his talk, he will push buttons on an augmentative speech device to deliver the words. His audience will be parents who fervently hope their own special-needs children will be able to work, too.

© START-UP / USA The materials in this activity can be used for educational purposes if credit is given to the original source. The use of this information is copyrighted by START-UP / USA, VCU and should not be used for profit activities.This activity was funded by Start-Up-USA, funded by a cooperative agreement from the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Disability Employment Policy (# E-9-4-6-0111). The opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the position of policy of the U.S. Department of Labor. Nor does mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply the endorsement of the U.S. Department of Labor.