Young Oklahomans with disabilities build a business through their artwork

From The Daily Oklahoman:

EL RENO, Okla. — The white coffee mug has the words "I love you for who you are” painted on the side in black letters.

Bee’s Knees will have a sale at an 11 a.m. Thanksgiving dinner on Nov. 23 at the Donald W. Reynolds Caring Center, 7565 E State Highway 66.

The cup is one of the handmade items offered for sale by a group of young adults with disabilities who call themselves Bee’s Knees.

Wrapping paper, mugs and journals with hand-painted covers are made and sold as a way to teach entrepreneurial skills.

Learning to make items for sale brings out the personality of those whom many may only see as a disabled person, said instructor Brandon Smith (pictured), 20.

"To see them advance in their social skills, that’s when I feel the most proud,” Smith said. "It gets to the point I don’t see the disability anymore but the personality of the person behind the disability.”

Dee Blose, executive director of Youth and Family Services of Canadian County, had the idea to start a class for high school graduates and other young adults with disabilities to learn to produce and sell their own products.

People with disabilities have challenges in finding traditional employment, Blose said.

"The concept of having your own business lets you be more flexible,” Blose said.

Her son David Blose, 20, has autism and is among eight adults in the group. Her daughter Amy Blose, 22, is a volunteer assistant instructor for the group.

The name Bee’s Knees came from a brainstorming session where one of the members said "bees,” Smith said. Smith said "knees.” They put the words together and it stuck.

"It’s really cheesy,” Smith said.

Smith, who is studying sociology and human services at the University of Central Oklahoma, said there is a growing need for life skills classes for the disabled, especially for those who want to enter the workforce.

David Blose drew an intricate picture on a journal cover that shows a computer. "Look at this,” he said, holding up his work for the class to see.

With paintbrushes and paint, small journals are decorated with personal touches. The products the class makes come from donated supplies such as paint and construction paper.

"We might need some more paint,” Smith said.

The group is not limited to people from Canadian County, but participants must find their own transportation. Members raised $600 selling items at a recent state autism conference in Norman. The money will help expand the program, Smith said. They also sold items at Yukon’s Czech Festival.

"I feel like something we are doing is kind of a forerunner. I could be wrong, but for a lot of people with special needs, jobs may be limited to the mild or moderate (disabled people). But what do people who are severe or profoundly disabled do?” Smith said.