[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 7 (Monday, January 13, 2020)]
[House]
[Page H184]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      JULIA TYLER AND DANCE HAPPY

  (Ms. SCANLON asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute.)
  Ms. SCANLON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to share the success of a 
young constituent from my district whose story should make us all 
proud.
  Julia Tyler is a 24-year-old young woman with Down syndrome. Several 
years ago with the support of her parents, her school district, and a 
job coach, Julia was able to land a job at a local boutique in 
preparation for her transition to the working world after graduation 
from high school. With the help of her job coach, she began designing 
totes, pillows, and table runners. She learned how to silkscreen 
geometric designs onto this merchandise so she could then sell them at 
the boutique where she worked and at local craft fairs. The boutique 
owner took notice of Julia's creativity and determination, and together 
they cofounded a new company, Dance Happy, to market Julia's creations.
  In 2019, a subsidiary of American Eagle began selling Julia's totes 
online for the holiday season. They quickly sold out, and a bigger 
order has been placed for 2020.
  I am so pleased to celebrate the success of Julia, Dance Happy, her 
job coach, and her business partner at Compendium Boutique. Together 
they provide an important reminder of what can happen when we look 
beyond a person's disability and work together to provide opportunities 
for all. I am also pleased to have a successful new business in 
Pennsylvania's Fifth Congressional District, a business that started in 
Swarthmore and is now housed in Aston, Pennsylvania.
  Their success is also a great example of how the IDEA and well-
funded, effective special education can prepare students with 
disabilities for employment in our communities.

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