Learning new skills
New designs, harder patterns, more independence at the table, and more confidence talking about his own work.
About us
It all starts with Matt.
Reeds Beads & Beyond exists because of my brother Matt: what he makes, what he wants to do next, and how much he grows every time someone gives him the chance.
Dancing-bear designs created by MattMeet our Vice President
Matt Reed
Kind, funny, creative, and always ready to tell you the story behind what he made.
Matt has Down syndrome, a great memory, a funny personality, and a story behind almost everything he makes. He is not just the reason this began. He is our Vice President and part of the decisions we make. He tells us what he likes, what he does not like, and which ideas are actually worth doing.
Since he started working with fusion beads, I have watched him learn new skills, talk more, and become excited to show people his work. He remembers every character, color, and detail. Nothing he makes is random to him.
“I'm still here, Cait.”
Matt never hangs up the phone first. He stays on the line and says this over and over so I know he is still there. It is such a Matt thing to do: sweet, loyal, and quietly making sure I am okay. That is the kind of person he is, and it is a big part of the heart behind Reeds Beads & Beyond.
What we're working toward with Matt
Growing, going places, and being proud of it.
Matt has goals like anyone else. Some are small and some take saving up for. Every one of them is the kind of goal we want the people in our workshops to be able to reach too.
Getting to travel
Trips and outings are a big deal for Matt. Being able to go places, show his artwork, and experience something new is part of how he grows.
Sharing what he loves
Music, characters, and telling the story behind each piece. Matt is happiest when someone is genuinely interested in what he made.
To be clear about the money. Support for Reeds Beads & Beyond pays for workshop supplies, accessible spaces, small showcases, and travel and outing opportunities for participants. Matt is our example and our heart, and the same opportunities are meant for other people with disabilities who take part.
Why we started
It started with me and Matt.
Matt is my brother and one of my favorite people. Fusion beads gave us another way to spend time together and helped more of Matt's personality come through.
Our dad was one of our biggest supporters. After we lost him, creating and listening to music helped us through some very hard days. Reeds Beads & Beyond grew from that experience. I want other people with disabilities to have a place where they are known for who they are and what they can do.
He never saw limits. He saw possibilities.
Nothing about us without us
Matt has a real say in all of it.
Matt and every future participant deserve a real say in the activities, artwork, stories, and decisions that involve them.