Marcus Stewart’s smile lights up the room as he talks about his dreams and his latest TikTok dance moves. At 23, the young man from Waldorf, MD aspires to be a pastor or a DJ, and he loves cleaning. He also wants to make enough money to get his own apartment. But Marcus, who has Down syndrome, faces an uphill battle in achieving his goals—particularly because he can’t find paid employment.

“One big misconception is that I am not able to follow directions, learn, or be employable,” Marcus says. His words cut to the heart of the challenges faced by many in the intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) community.

The statistics paint a stark picture. Working-aged people with disabilities have significantly lower employment rates—around half the rates of their counterparts without disabilities. When considering people of all ages, the gap widens further. In 2023, people with disabilities were three times less likely to be employed.

These numbers don’t reflect Marcus’s capabilities or work ethic. Through his workplace readiness program, he has volunteered in a diverse range of roles that showcase his adaptability and willingness to learn. He’s stocked shelves at Big Lots, sorted clothes at a thrift store, assisted with administrative tasks at a church, performed housekeeping duties at a hotel, tackled landscaping work, carried out janitorial duties at an assisted living facility and public schools, and helped with food prep at Texas Roadhouse.

“I take care of myself and protect myself and my family,” Marcus asserts. “I show up to work on time, I’m polite and kind, and I’m focused on my work.” He’s dedicated to each role he takes on, yet he can’t get past the biases and discrimination of hiring managers and AI hiring tools.

Marcus has valuable skills and a lot to offer to any workplace. He excelled in school and, as he shares, “I loved math and reading.” He was also active in sports, participating in track, tennis, and bocce. Marcus finished school at 18, graduating on time with his class, and has been in workforce readiness programs ever since.

Marcus’s mother, Tawana, has been his fierce advocate from day one. “When he was first diagnosed, his first geneticist told me that he’s not going to amount to much. But I said my son will get every opportunity that’s available,” she recalls. “I made myself present in workshops and other groups of parents of children with Down syndrome. I signed him up for sports. I showed up and was very vocal.” She is frustrated by the lack of opportunities for Marcus in adulthood. “Give him a chance,” she pleads. “He gets up every day without an alarm, makes his own meals, never missed a day of school, takes great care of his nephew and our two dogs. He’s more responsible than most people I know, and he’s capable of so much.” Tawana tears up and Marcus puts his arm around her shoulders.

Her message to employers is clear: “Show him what to do and give him a chance to learn.” She adds, “The value in investing in this community is incredible, it makes the company a better place for everybody. More exposure helps educate people and create more acceptance of people with disabilities.”

Despite his employment challenges, Marcus maintains a rich social life. Beyond his TikTok presence, he enjoys spending time with friends. “My friends are nice to me and we do fun things like play Uno, go out to eat, go bowling, and go to the movies,” he says. In his free time, he likes to “relax, watch P Valley and Power, play football and basketball, and take care of my mom and my big sister.”

Tawana urges other parents of children with disabilities: “Seek out resources that are available and most importantly advocate for your child. Advocacy and education are two things I’ve been doing since he’s been born. You have to advocate—no one else is going to do it. The best cheerleaders are the family.”

As we celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month and Down Syndrome Awareness Month, Marcus’s story is a powerful reminder of the untapped potential within the IDD community. His resilience, skills, and can-do attitude, coupled with his family’s unwavering support, show what’s possible for people with disabilities.

“I’m smart, I’m strong, I’m thoughtful and respectful. I love my family,” Marcus says, summing up his character in a few words. “I want to work so I can be independent and get my own apartment.” His dream is what we all wish for—autonomy, respect, and the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to society.

Marcus Stewart is ready to show the world what he can do. Are we ready to give him—and countless others like him—that chance?