My husband, Tim, and I founded Ruby’s Rainbow after our daughter Ruby was born early, tiny and rockin’ an extra chromosome (as I like to put it). As soon as I looked into Ruby’s eyes, I knew I wanted the world to see what I saw in her—her inherent worth and capabilities. I also knew I wanted to contribute something meaningful to the Down syndrome community, and the seed of what would become Ruby’s Rainbow was planted.
Ruby’s Rainbow provides scholarships for students with Down syndrome who are pursuing higher education, while spreading awareness about their awesomeness. Since 2012, we have granted 741 scholarships to students with Down syndrome attending post-secondary programs all over the United States. That’s a total of $2,676,000 in scholarship funds! This summer, when we welcome the next wave of Rockin’ Recipients into the Ruby’s Rainbow family, we fully expect to pass the $3 million mark in funds granted—and I am SO excited to hit that major milestone!
It is truly a privilege to have a front-row view into the benefits of access and inclusion for our Rockin’ Recipients. Through their college programs, we have seen inclusion at its finest, and we continually witness the benefits of inclusion not only for our scholarship recipients, but for their entire communities—including greater empathy, acceptance and awareness of all the many characteristics that make every individual both similar to others and unique in this world.
Until relatively recently, people with Down syndrome and other intellectual disabilities faced many barriers to accessing higher education, and typically could not pursue jobs or careers of their choosing. Fortunately, those doors are now opening. There are currently over 300 supported programs for students with IDD at colleges and universities across the country, and counting. Ruby’s Rainbow has also had many Rockin’ Recipients pursuing their Associate’s and Bachelor’s degrees in typical two- and four-year programs. We even have a Rockin’ Recipient who earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and is now going for her Master’s in Fine Arts! We have former Rockin’ Recipients now teaching preschool and college courses; working in coffee shops and restaurants; leading Zumba classes at their local gyms; even running their own businesses. One of our former Rockin’ Recipients even has the distinction of being the first lobbyist with Down syndrome on Capitol Hill! Learn more about what all those Rockin' Recipients are doing now.
These individuals are upending stereotypes and raising expectations, and we here at Ruby’s Rainbow are incredibly proud of their bravery and advocacy. They are truly changing the world as they pave the way for other students with intellectual or developmental disabilities who will follow in their footsteps. The more people with Down syndrome are visible in society—in the classroom, pursuing careers of their choice, and making a meaningful impact on their communities—the better for everyone. At Ruby’s Rainbow, we envision a society free of stigma and prejudice, with access and opportunity for people of all abilities. And we are honored to support people with Down syndrome in leading the way!
About the blog post author: Liz Plachta (pictured here with her younger daughter, Ruby) is co-founder and executive director of Ruby’s Rainbow, a nonprofit organization that provides scholarships to students with Down syndrome who are pursuing post-secondary education, while spreading awareness about these individuals’ worth, capabilities and general awesomeness. Since 2012, Ruby’s Rainbow has granted more than 700 scholarships totaling over $2.67 million to Rockin’ Recipients across the United States who are pursuing their dreams of higher education and independence.
Pictured in the graphic above is Ruby's Rainbow scholarship recipient Samantha Gonzalez, who graduated from University of Colorado Colorado Springs in 2023. Learn a little more about Samantha in this video interview with Liz.