Cameron Had a Goal: Becoming an Ice Cream Scooper

Cameron knew what he wanted: to work at Howdy Homemade Ice Cream in Lee’s Summit, Missouri. He had been volunteering at the shop twice a week through his school’s GREAT program, gaining experience and building connections with the team.

The shop’s manager, Kris, saw Cameron’s potential. When a job opened, she wanted him to apply.

“He fell in love with it, and his goal was to be an ice cream scooper,” said Hillary, an Employment Services Supervisor with Easterseals Midwest.

Cameron receives Employment Services through Easterseals Midwest, which helps people with disabilities prepare for and find meaningful work. As Cameron worked toward his goal, his vocational rehabilitation counselor contacted Hillary because she knew Easterseals Midwest could help find a solution to a workplace barrier.

There was just one challenge. Cameron has use of only one hand, and scooping ice cream usually takes two. He needed a way to hold a cone steady while using a scoop with his available hand. But instead of letting that barrier end the conversation, the team looked for a solution.

Turning a Challenge on its Head

Hillary contacted Missouri Assistive Technology and connected with Scout and his team. Together, they began developing a device that would help Cameron hold an ice cream cone securely while scooping.

The first design wasn’t quite what they needed. Scout and his team developed different prototypes, and Cameron tested them in real working conditions — with each round of feedback helping the team improve the design.

The device also needed to stay firmly attached to the counter while giving Cameron room to add toppings, like sprinkles. After months of teamwork and testing, the team finished a design with food-safe epoxy. Finally, Cameron had a tool that he could efficiently use with one hand.

“It helps me scoop and put ice cream in the cone,” Cameron said.

The solution came from listening to Cameron, testing ideas, and making changes until the device met his needs. It showed how the right tools and people working together can open doors to employment.

Preparing for the Opportunity

While the team worked on the device, Hillary helped Cameron prepare for the hiring process. They practiced interview skills so he could feel ready to meet with Kris.

Then came the interview. Howdy Homemade had received more than 150 applications, but Cameron made a strong impression. He was offered the job the following week.

Cameron began his first shift on May 15.

The new job gave him the chance to be around one of his favorite things: delicious ice cream. But moreso, it gave him the opportunity to earn money, work alongside others, and build skills through a job he wanted.

When asked what he likes about work, Cameron plainly stated: “Working with people.”

He also shared a message for others who have a goal they want to reach:

“If you want something, you can make it happen.”

The Value of Inclusive Hiring

Kris recognized Cameron’s potential and wanted him on the team. Easterseals Midwest helped Cameron prepare for the job and connected the people who could help remove the barrier. Missouri Assistive Technology helped turn a difficult task into one Cameron could do.

Inclusive hiring can also benefit businesses. Easterseals Midwest reports strong job retention among people supported through its Employment Services, along with support for employers as they build inclusive workplaces.

Employers can learn more in Talent That Adds Value: Why Employers Should Hire People with Disabilities. They can also explore Ability Awareness and Inclusion Partnerships to learn how Easterseals Midwest works with businesses to build more inclusive teams.

Finding the Right Connections

Everybody brought something important to the process. Most of all, Cameron helped guide the work by testing the designs and showing the team what he needed.

The collaboration also reached beyond the ice cream shop. The work was later shared at a Missouri Assistive Technology council meeting and the Missouri Rehabilitation Association Conference, helping others learn from the team’s experience.

Hillary sees the story as proof that a challenge does not have to be the end of the road.

“There's always a solution out there,” she said. “You just have to find the right connections and work together and not give up.”

For Cameron, that teamwork helped turn a goal into a job. And at Howdy Homemade, he gets to do what he set out to do: scoop ice cream, work with people, and earn his own money.

Learn more about Easterseals Midwest Employment Services and Missouri Assistive Technology.