The Golden Scoop

From left, Super Scoopers Paige, Charlie, senior Marie Bruck, and Super Scooper Thomas pose inside the Golden Scoop Feb. 23. Each of the Super Scoopers attended Johnson County Community College and are excited to start working at the Golden Scoop.

think the misconception is that if you have developmental disabilities and whether that’s autism or Williams Syndrome or Down syndrome, you’re really not capable of doing a task. The unemployment rates are like 80% for individuals with developmental disabilities, which is heartbreaking. But what we have found is that when they do get jobs, you know, often it’s kind of you’re doing the same thing all day long, or it’s janitorial or sweatshop based work. What I don’t think people realize is how talented [they are], and they really bring a very valuable skill set to a work environment. We’re hoping that, first of all, everyone comes in and just falls in love with them (which they will), but we’re really hoping that other businesses see what we’re doing and decide to hire somebody with a developmental disability because they know that they can do the job.” Bruck has helped with fundraising events and plans to volunteer once the store opens. “Since they haven’t opened, I have been going to their fundraisers,” Bruck said. “I went to one of their first fundraisers and helped out there. What they mainly need is someone to spread the word so I’ve been trying to spread the word about what it is and their mission. I actually just filled out my volunteer application a couple of days ago, since you can apply to volunteer now.” Bruck has felt called to organizations helping individuals with developmental disabilities since volunteering at the Down Syndrome Guild her sophomore year. “I started volunteering there, and I just fell in love with the community and the people there,” Bruck said. “I just wanted to do anything I could to help. It became a part of who I am since I started volunteering with the disability community, and I want to do something with them when I’m older.” Reeves was inspired to work with individuals with disabilities by her neighbor, Teresa. “[My family] lived next door to a girl with Down Syndrome when we lived in Houston for 12 years and, honestly, being around Teresa made my kids better kids,” Reeves said. Super Scooper Paige is excited for the store to open because she enjoys serving snacks and coffee. “[I’m excited for] having a space where the Super Scoopers get to perform with their different talents,” Paige said. B

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