110. STOP Limiting Potential! Discover the Benefits of Hiring Someone With Down Syndrome

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It’s not about lowering expectations; it’s about providing the right support and opportunities when hiring someone with Down syndrome so they can thrive.

In this episode, we’re joined by the inspiring Matthew Schwab, a young man with Down syndrome who’s breaking down barriers in the workplace. During our conversation, we talk about some behind-the-scenes stories about his recent marriage proposal to his long-time girlfriend, and how they’re trying to encourage Big Time Rush to be part of their wedding reception. Matthew’s journey is a testament to the potential and determination of individuals with disabilities.

From his early days volunteering at local organizations to securing paid roles at Chick-fil-A, the government, and currently at Ruckus Pizza, Matthew has faced and overcome numerous challenges. He shares his experiences with honesty and humor, offering valuable insights into the world of disability employment for those considering hiring someone with Down syndrome.

Matthew’s passion for advocacy shines through as he discusses the importance of support systems and breaking down stereotypes. He emphasizes the need for employers to recognize the unique skills and contributions of individuals with Down syndrome.

Parents of children with Down syndrome will find Matthew’s story particularly inspiring. He offers practical advice on preparing for the job search, advocating for their child’s needs, and fostering a positive mindset.

Join us as Matthew shares his inspiring story and encourages listeners to embrace diversity and create inclusive workplaces. See the links below to follow Matthew on social media and to book him as a speaker for your organization!

Matthew’s contact information:

•    Website: https://matthewschwabspeaks.com/
•    YouTube:  @matthewschwabspeaks7136 
•    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matthewschwabspeaks
•    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewschwabspeaks/
•    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/matthewschwabspeaks

Easter Seals: https://www.easterseals.com/

*** Thank you to Gigi’s Playhouse for allowing us to use the video of Matthew’s proposal to Lucia that was posted on their Instagram account on November 8, 2023. To see more of what Gigi’s Playhouse offers to individuals with Down syndrome and their families, contact them!

•    Website: https://gigisplayhouse.org/
•    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gigisplayhouse
•    `Podcast: https://gigisplayhouse.org/alittlesomethingextra/

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Music Used:

“LazyDay” by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Artist: http://audionautix.com/

Matthew Schwab is a 26 year-old North Carolina native who lives in an apartment with his younger brother.

​In addition to being a public speaker and community volunteer, Matthew works at Ruckus Pizza, Pasta & Spirits.

Matthew is passionate about raising awareness about Down syndrome. In 2019, he gave a TEDx talk about the importance of employing those with IDD. Matthew proposed to his long-time girlfriend in November and the video went viral on social media.

Episode #110: STOP Limiting Potential! Discover the Benefits of Hiring Someone With Down Syndrome

It’s not about lowering expectations; it’s about providing the right support and opportunities when hiring someone with Down syndrome so they can thrive.

(Recorded June 19, 2024)

Full Transcript of Interview:

Matthew: I believe the future for individuals with Down syndrome is bright because people are finally seeing our potential.

Tonya: Have you ever considered what it takes to hire someone with Down Syndrome? Our guest today is Matthew Schwab, a man who is breaking down barriers and proving that individuals with Down Syndrome can excel in the workplace.

We’ll be talking about Matthew’s work journey and sharing how parents can help their children be better prepared when they’re ready to begin working. Matthew’s proposal that went viral on social media.

Welcome to the Water Prairie Chronicles, a podcast for special needs parents. I’m your host, Tonya Wollum, and I’m glad you’re here.

Today we’re talking with Matthew Schwab. You met Matthew and his mom, Michelle, last season when they took us on a tour of the new Gigi’s Playhouse Raleigh, and he also took the time to explain some of the basics of understanding what Down syndrome is, the medical background, the educational background, some of the needs that they may have, and even some of the social things that he’s doing.

Matthew, welcome back to Water Prairie.

Thank you very much.

So I, I always say this, I’m always excited about my interviews because I try to bring exciting things to you. But I’ve been looking forward to this one because a lot has happened in your life since I saw you last. And I follow you on social media, will, will leave a comment every now and then.

But I’d like for you, if you don’t mind, to share what happened last fall that was like a milestone in your life.

Oh, yes. So, a little bit of background. The thing that I’m about to talk about, I’ve been wanting to do it since I was in, after I graduated high school, and I graduated in 2017, so that’s been Gosh, six years overdue, and which was proposing to my then long term girlfriend, Lucia Romano, and which in, on November 4th of last, last year, I had the opportunity to propose to her.

It was at an annual leadership conference for Gigi’s Playhouse as a network, and luckily they had photographers and media people there to cover the whole. event, and it, and she did not know what was going to happen, and, but I knelt down on one knee and proposed to her. I believe it took a year for the whole process, including asking her parents for the blessing.

In fact, funny thing was that usually when people ask for Blessing to propose or get married is they ask their parents first for the blessings. But for me, I was very audacious. I actually went to her parents first to ask for the blessing and oh God, they’re, they’re confounded. They didn’t know, they knew it was going to happen, but they didn’t know how soon it was going to happen.

Like literally Maria, Lucia’s mom, literally fell out of her seat. And then, a little while later, Maria called my mom, Michelle Schwab, and she’s, and they’re like, hey, did you hear what happened? And it’s like, mom’s like, what happened? And then Maria went on and said, well, your son just freaking asked a blessing to propose to my daughter.

And mom’s like, and I was in the car with her, and mom’s like, she just turned to me and she’s like, “You did what now?”

So, you didn’t tell her when you got home?

I did not get to tell my parents. The only thing I told them was that I’m going to propose to her. So I, so I got their endorsement, but I didn’t ask my parents their blessing.

Right. So did her parents say yes right away?

I mean, they were little hesitant at first because they, they didn’t know how I envisioned it. And, and when I explained to them that, that, that their daughter, Lucia and I have been boyfriend and girlfriend for eight, eight years and that, and I wanted each step of our relationship first to get each to each step of our relationship right.

I said, and, and said. Yeah, I would like to do a long engagement, but not as long as our boyfriend and girlfriend phase, which wa