Entrepreneur with Special Needs

I first heard about Barb from some locals on Pine Island.   Barb owns and operates a produce stand on Pine Island in Florida. Barb and her family moved to Pine Island from New York several years ago.  I was told Barb has Down syndrome, after meeting her I doubt that is the case, although she does have some sort of cognitive disability. I find her entrepreneurial story fascinating and unfortunately rare.

I write this post in hopes that many other people with disabilities will have the chance to create a life for themselves as Barb has done.  Undoubtedly Barb has had help but as Goethe says, ‘Act boldly and mighty forces will come to your aid.’

Barb agreed to photos and an interview, here is her story:

Kabuki Syndrome Camper...TRANSITIONS

Transitions.

For Nathan the transition from his family home to ‘his own place’ was easy, nothing to it. Nathan needed two things, his baby monitor and a dog. First he grabbed his baby monitor and put it next to the bed then told his mother that ‘every home needs a dog.’ Kabuki Syndrome Mom put a basket of stuffed dogs in the camper and the dog requirement was fulfilled, home sweet home to Nathan. What more could he need?

The transition to the camper was a bit more difficult for Kabuki Syndrome Mom. Nathan was unable to manage his medications, grooming, or schedule and what about at night, how would that go? Nathan had never slept more than a few hours a night, the rest of the night he was always up and about.