ROANOKE, VA – April 2 marks World Autism Acceptance Day.
But for many adults on the autism spectrum, finding a job can be a big challenge - from misunderstandings about disabilities to limited opportunities.
At first glance, 3 Balloons looks like any small business
But here, every item tells a bigger story.
For Morgan Wood, it’s a story about getting a chance.
“You’re 25 now, talk to me a little bit about what finding a job was like when you graduated,” 10 News Anchor Abbie Coleman said.
“Hard. I think it was more of like my disabilities,” Wood said.
Wood is on the autism spectrum.
But other research suggests that number could be much higher - closer to 80 percent.
“How did it make you feel to keep going in for interviews, but not getting a job?” Coleman asked Wood.
“Alienated,” Wood said.
But at 3 Balloons, that’s different.
“You can just be yourself, and nobody will look at you in a weird way,” Wood said.
And that was Steve Stinson’s goal when he opened the store back in October.
“My feeling is, if they spend 10 years on a couch, if they’re 30 and they haven’t worked, it’s over. You’ve lost a life,” Stinson said.
Here, employees are hands-on, making and selling home decor or working in the children’s bookstore.
This all while learning new skills and gaining independence in a supportive environment.
At 19 years old, Sophia Pearce says she’s excited to finally have a job,and the chance to prove herself.
“What was hard about finding a job?” Coleman asked.
“Finding a job was letting them know I have a disability, just saying I have a disability, and them being accepting,” Pearce said.
Not only is it a job, but it’s a job she loves.
“When I saw the bookstore, I was like, ' Books are my thing, I love books, I can work with books,” Pearce said.
For Sophia and Morgan, it’s about showing they can do more - and be more - than people might expect.
“People with disabilities can do a lot of things,” Pearce said.
“It just feels great being good at something,” Wood said.