Only 19% percent of people with intellectual disabilities are employed in the U.S. That’s quadruple the unemployment rate for those without.
But a Chicago area young woman is moving the mark to close the gap.
Like so many individuals born with intellectual disabilities, Zinyra Ross was painted a bleak picture from a young age. Her mother Myra was told she would always be non-verbal, unable to live on her own and likely institutionalized.
It was a long list of she “will not” that Zinyra and her mom turned into “she did.”
“By far the disability community is the most discriminated community there is in the world,” Myra Ross said. “Color doesn’t matter, gender doesn’t matter. We’re all in it together cause no on has expectations for people with disabilities. … In life everything is going to be a struggle but it’s truly up to you to make your own happiness.”
“You can fight for your own happiness. Nobody can make you happy. Only yourself,” Zinyra Ross said.
She fought her dexterity issues with small balls of clay and began sculpting jewelry.
Her intricate work recreated the cute animal images she’d sketch out in her journal. And as Zinyra churned out dozens of chubby cheeked chickens, pigs, and cats, her mom got an idea
“Now she’s Just Z with an LLC,” she said.
Zinyra is now one of the few business owners in the state with an intellectual disability
Just Z has Zinyra designing and often selling out of her charms, jewelry and clothing line.
“She’s met the vice president, three governors, she’s been to the White House, she’s been to the state capital,” Myra said. “She’s advocating. She’s encouraging others.”
Zinyra Is busy her wares at various fairs while also working as a United Airlines Special Olympics Illinois service ambassador. This fall she has a full product launch at Gino and Marty’s restaurant and will be one of the featured athletes at the Special Olympics Champions Ball on October 26.