Advocacy Art Apparel

I am a purpose driven creator who is here to empower those with disabilities and I currently have a team of graphic designers, editor and apparel printing manufacturers. The mission of Empowerment Apparel 531 is to dismantle stigmas, break down barriers and promote change for those with disabilities. Moreover, Empowerment Apparel 531 is bringing awareness to the unique talents, and abilities of those with physical and cognitive impairments while embracing their disability. 

Empowerment Apparel 531 displays a recognition for a mindset shift in the way we view and address those with disabilities. It has been a common theme amongst various platforms such as employment and education that the potential of those with disabilities are limited to their disability and are denied certain opportunities as a result.  I have personally been involved in meetings where one of my students with Autism I was connecting to an internship, received so much resistance and apprehension from administrative and teaching staff. He was disqualified in their minds before given a chance to dismantle the stigma attached to him. The distorted perceptions were expressed not from what they saw him do, but based on what they read on his IEP and had not seen him do. I have facilitated his work based learning experience so I know given visual support and a structured work system, he can perform what was required of him. His mother would call me crying because she was afraid of her son being denied an opportunity to be prepared for supported employment after high school and knew that having an internship on his resume can possibly increase his chances of that. She even told me that she was afraid the world will not see what she sees and will have her son sit by a window at a day program doing puzzles. Her vision for him is the opposite of what people have spoken about him. She envisions him integrated in the community, socializing in meaningful relationships, participating in fitness activities and supported employment.  This student with Autism is so bright and illuminates the classroom with his gifts and personality. As a result of my advocacy, he was accepted into the internship program and I have been training him virtually ever since. The relationship with this parent and student goes beyond the classroom and I have started my business because of this experience. In addition, I am advocating for people I personally know who have been rejected from employment or discriminated against in the workplace as a result of their disability. I want people to qualify those with disabilities based on what they are ABLE to add in the arena of employment in the form of specialized knowledge and talents.  This business advocates for those with disabilities to have opportunities to access and experience inclusion, equity and equality. I am not trying to eradicate the word "Disable", but we are putting emphasis on what they are ABLE to do rather than what they cannot. We display purposeful messages and graphics on apparel that magnify the feelings, thoughts, and abilities of those with disabilities. Moreover, I am advocating for acceptance and respect across social, political and economic platforms for those with disabilities. This apparel has different apparel collections that is a representation of various disabilities. Just recently companies started implementing diversity and inclusion agendas. There has been progress, however those whom have no outward signs of disability- can still feel overlooked or undervalued by the companies they work for. I am participating in this movement that would ignite change such as authentic representation in movies where the actor is not just "acting" like they have a disability, but hiring someone who actually does to play the role. In addition, this brand advocates for work places to make their environment inclusive by implementing natural cue supports, equipment and other accommodations. Currently, my business can potentially impact 61 million people with disabilities.

The reason I am seeking funding is to invest in marketing materials and services, packaging materials,  inventory, production, branding, and graphic design. In addition, I will use the money to purchase equipment for my events such as a payment machine and printer for my mailing labels. I also want to be the change I want to see. Apparel is just one aspect of my business. I also would like to invest in accessible housing that features an inclusive environment that may include but is not limited to things that are color coded to promote independency, braille plates on the walls, adjustable lighting for those who may be vision impaired, sensory room , ramps, handlebars throughout the home, wide doorways, accessible door handles and walk in bathtubs. 

I want to thank all of those who are contributing to this campaign in a monetary way. I appreciate every amount of investment and I hope that it is returned to you multiplied in the form of miraculous blessings. I appreciate you in advance.