On Saturday, June 13, 2015, Respect Abilities held a grand opening celebration. The downtown East Moline business allows artists of all abilities to display their talents for $1 a day.
"I'm going to keep going as far as I can to become a famous singer who has down syndrome. I want to make a difference more than anyone," said Kate Holsen.
"You don't get judged or anything, so it just makes you feel like a big happy family," said Jennifer Reynolds, who has never had a job before. At Respect Abilities she will be making wax scents and selling them.
"It helps us to, people to respect us and not to make fun of each other and just respect us who we are," said Mark DeDecker.
"Everybody that's here is helping me and in return, we're helping them because we're giving them a place to display their talents," said Michelle Horton, the woman who founded Respect Abilities.
Respect Abilities will also hold classes and public events.