When he couldn’t find work, Michael Coyne took matters into his own hands and created one for himself. Coyne, who has autism, decided to open his own coffee shop.

“When I turned 21, I applied to several places.” He told WPRI-TV, a CBS affiliate, that “none of them would hire me.” He now works at a “beacon of hope” for persons with impairments.

Coyne opted to enroll in business programs at the Rhode Island Developmental Disability Center. He graduated from being a business student to starting his own firm this month.

He is now looking for persons with special needs to work with him. “We just want to integrate,” he explained.

Sheila, Coyne’s mother, expressed hope that this company concept may benefit those who are unemployed, such as her son. “As parents, we see the value in our kids,” his mother told WPRI. “Rather than the system always labeling them and erecting barriers, we see what they can do.”

“The idea of a coffee shop appealed to me because it brings people together.” “We learn on both sides,” she explained. “We teach people to say, ‘Yes, he has a disability, but look what he’s doing.'” And he’s out there learning how to get along with other people.”

In addition to autism, Coyne has bipolar disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). He participated in the Special Olympics and studied hospitality in order to find work in the sector.

Now he’s doing both while also supporting his friends. WPRI said that across the street from Red, White and Brew is a store called “Budding Violet” where you can buy things made by some of Coyne’s peers.

Coyne wants to let people know that people with special needs can also work hard. He’s proud of his company, and so are many others.

His mom said, “He’s done amazing things.” “And he’s just a good person in general. When you walk in, you can feel that.”