We opened a restaurant. The first one entirely run by people with Down syndrome. Located in Washington D.C., it opened the night before Congress resumed session. Senators and lawmakers were invited to the special event without any idea of what was in store. Once inside, they experienced firsthand how capable people with Down syndrome could be as they produced the perfect dining experience and a flawless evening.

Every detail of the night - the wine, the music, the menu, the bill, the table settings, the signage - was considered and designed with the objective in mind. Even the name of the restaurant itself, C21, was named after the 21st chromosome that defines the group’s condition, but not their limitations. The staff, entirely comprised of people with Down syndrome, created the perfect fine dining experience. The final call to action came in the form of the bill with the message “The bill is on us, changing the law is on you.”

We reached an impossible audience - members of Congress - and brought the plight of the Down syndrome community to their attention. Three months later, the new law passed. The “ABLE Act” was made into law, finally allowing people with Down syndrome to work and save more, and bringing independence within reach.