A genetic condition in which a person has 47 chromosomes instead of the average 46, Down syndrome affects about 400,000 individuals in the United States, according to the National Down Syndrome Society, and that is precisely what motivates Teddy to get out and speak.
And Teddy has certainly had many opportunities to get out and about, both in the states and faraway places. He has traveled to Chicago, New York City, St. Louis, Oklahoma City, Denver, Washington D.C. and more. Teddy’s mom, Susan, said they travel to all of these places to speak at conferences to spread the word about Down syndrome.
Teddy got the idea to begin designing and selling t-shirts after helping his friend Dan Wilkins sell shirts. To get him started, Dan lent him shirts to sell on consignment and Susan provided the credit card.
From humble beginnings, 28-year-old Teddy has sure come a long way. In 2011 alone, he has sold over $7,000 worth of shirts. But it’s not just about the money. Leading a business has taught Teddy many life-applicable skills like learning the value of money, learning to read and establishing himself as a productive member of society.
Along with learning how to do the basics, Teddy is coming to understand the importance of carrying out simple actions like making good eye contact with customers, handing out businesses cards and being nice to people who do not purchase a shirt. Running a business has proved to be a learning experience for Teddy that he might not otherwise be able to receive.
His efforts and achievements are not unnoticed. Recently, granted the “Stigma Buster Award” by the Oakland County Community Mental Health Authority for his work to educate others about Down syndrome, Teddy is making a name for himself, as a person.
