Matt McNeil Video
See new Rockin' Recipient Matt McNeil accept his Ruby's Rainbow Scholarship!!
Everyone Knows Zach – Life After College
See what Zach's life looks like after graduating from the Western Carolina University UP Program and how he is changing the community he now lives in.
Life After College for Ali – A Ruby's Rainbow Story
What's life like for an adult with Down syndrome, after finishing college and entering "the real world"?
Ruby's Dream BIG Socks from Pride Socks!
Get your pair today at www.pridesocks.com/ruby
Yellow Leggings Dance
What started as a mean, confidence-shaming Instagram comment when my beautiful friend Kelle Hampton stepped out in her bright yellow Girlfriend Collective leggings has turned into something amazing, y'all. After posting about how the fear of other people's perceptions is what keeps so many of us "small", scared to put ourselves out there and go for our dreams, an offer came in for a $100 donation to Ruby's Rainbow to see her dance proudly in her banana suit. This is when the amazing thing happened. So many of you started pledging in support... support of other women, in support of just being proud of who you are, no apologies. Also in support of helping more peeps with Down syndrome go for their college dreams. And you guys....What is happening is so beautiful. So far we have raised almost $12,000 that started because of something negative.
So naturally, Kelle says it best: "three banana suits are better than one" ....and here we are today. Showing the world that we are proud of who we are and all the beautiful mistakes it has taken us to get here. And more importantly showing my girls to be proud of who THEY are, no apologies...yellow leggings and all.
I present to you three proud mamas, dancing their hearts out in yellow leggings to hopefully help others to not stay small but GO BIG. Keep dreamin' and dancin' and shakin' up this beautiful life we were given! We are gonna see just how BIG we can take this, so the link is below if you want to join in on the fun. This was so unexpected, but then again, the best things in life usually are.
Ruby's Rainbow: Supporting Dreams of Higher Education for People with Down Syndrome
Meet Ruby's Rainbow Rockin' Recipient Olivia Elder, featured on We Are Austin!
RUBY'S RAINBOW HOPES TO RAISE $150K AS WORLD DOWN SYNDROME DAY APPROACHES
Meet Ruby's Rainbow Rockin' Recipient & Miss Minnesota Contestant Mikayla Holmgren!
Meet Ruby's Rainbow Rockin' Recipient & Miss Minnesota Contestant Mikayla Holmgren!
Meet Ruby's Rainbow Rockin' Recipient Abigail!
Meet Ruby's Rainbow Rockin' Recipient Abigail!
October Awareness Campaign 2017: Ruby and Nella Rock Inclusion!!
October Awareness Campaign 2017: Ruby and Nella Rock Inclusion!!
Ruby's Inclusion Story
One of my biggest fears after we found out Ruby had Down Syndrome was how the world was going to perceive her. Would they accept, love and value her? Would she be included and valued in all aspects of her life? And what did her future have in store for her?
Ruby's Rainbow appearing on 'Harry'
POSTED: OCT 17 2017– The nonprofit started here in Austin dedicated to the higher educational needs of those with Down syndrome is being featured on a nationally syndicated talk show. President and Executive Director of Ruby's Rainbow Liz Plachta and Ruby talk more about the organization and their appearance on "Harry".
Mark Hublar
Rockin' Recipient Mark Hublar is an amazing public speaker and self advocate, despite growing up in a time when his parents were told to put him in an institution at birth because he has Down syndrome. He is proof that we are all life-long learners and all that Ruby's Rainbow stands for!
Madison Essig at the GMU LIFE Program
Published on Mar 28, 2017 – Madison Essig is loving her college life at GMU! Listen as her mom talks about the huge growth she has seen in her since starting the LIFE Program and the importance of having high expectations.
Patty's daughter Meredith, who is attending the George Mason University LIFE Program
Patty and Emily were connected through Ruby's Rainbow when Emily raised a scholarship amount and Patty's daughter Meredith, who is attending the George Mason University LIFE Program, was the recipient. Watch as these two amazing moms connect and Emily listens to advice from Patty about her journey raising a daughter with Down syndrome.
Caregiver Inspirational Series: Ruby's Rainbow.
Caregiver Inspirational Series: Ruby's Rainbow.
OSU TOPS Student Interview
OSU TOPS Student Interview
Kent State Student With Down Syndrome Awarded Ruby's Rainbow Scholarship | Kent State University
Kent State University student and Medina resident Erin Hawley is the 2016 recipient of a $3,000 Ruby's Rainbow scholarship. Ruby's Rainbow grants scholarships to adults with Down syndrome who are seeking post-secondary education, enrichment or vocational classes.
Ruby and Nella Rock the Future-You Can Dream
What do you want to be when you grow up? It all starts with a thought, a desire, a will....a DREAM. I hope this video opens your heart to a world of possibilities. KEEP DREAMIN' PEEPS.
Passionate Leader Spotlight: Liz
Today, we share the story of Liz Plachta and her daughter Ruby. Ruby was born with Downs Syndrome and inspired her mother to create Ruby's Rainbow, a charity that provides young adults with Downs Syndrome scholarships to pursue higher education. Ruby's Rainbow is an incredible organization that has raised $290,000 and helped over 100 students....
RROctoberCampainTeaser21
October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month, and during the entire month of October Ruby's Rainbow will be following Ruby and Nella's journey exploring and imagining the possibilities. What do we want to accomplish with this? We want the world to imagine the possibilities and opportunities for people with Down syndrome.
Next Steps students celebrate courage and dreams
The students of Next Steps at Vanderbilt are this year's recipient of the Perry Wallace Courage Award. A trophy is presented annually by Vanderbilt Athletics to a group or individual on campus exemplifying the courage and fortitude of Perry Wallace, the first black scholarship athlete in the SEC.
rubysrainbow
Please take a moment to check out our newest video to see just how Ruby's Rainbow started, why we are so passionate about it...and meet some of our Rockin' Recipients!! This film won the People's Choice Award at the 2015 Austin Film Frenzy!
Students enrolled in intellectual disabilities program win Homecoming titles – WCU News
Two first-year students enrolled in a Western Carolina University program for college-age individuals with intellectual disabilities were announced as the university's 2014 Homecoming queen and king Saturday, Oct. 25. Ali Morgan Hale of Hickory and Ronnie Trace Shuler III of Robbinsville were recognized with the honors during halftime of the WCU football team's game against The Citadel.
Holcombe receives Ruby's Rainbow Scholarship
Rion Holcombe, son of Danny and Susan Holcombe, has been chosen as a recipient for a 2014 Ruby's Rainbow Scholarship.
Ruby's Rainbow Interview Segment Sunday Morning 7/14/13
Ruby's Rainbow Interview Segment Sunday Morning 7/14/13
Ruby's Rainbow awards scholarship to students with Down syndrome
Ruby's Rainbow awards scholarship to students with Down syndrome
2019 Recipient Reaction Video
Seeing the reactions of our Rockin' Recipients when they find out they are receiving a Ruby's Rainbow Scholarship is PRICELESS and for sure to leave your heart full and a smile on your face!!
HAPPY 3/21 – World Down Syndrome Day!!!
Ruby wishes you all a happy World Down Syndrome Day!!
Mark Hublar – Life After College
Watch this inspiring video of one of our oldest Rockin' Recpients, Mark Hublar, to see what life is like for hime now that he has graduated college. See how the college experience has helped him become an advocate and public speaker! After his birth his parents were encouraged to put him in an institution, but they brought him home and treated him just like his three brothers. He is the perfect example of what having high expectations and providing opportunity can do for someone!!
How to Take the 3/21 Pledge!
Thank you for joining us in our effort to make the world a kinder and more compassionate place for people of all abilities as we help students with Down syndrome achieve their college dreams!! How do I take the 3/21 Pledge? It’s super quick and easy!! There are three simple steps to taking the Pledge: 1. Donate just $21 (or any amount!) to Ruby’s Rainbow at www.321pledge.org 2. Pledge to be kind and compassionate to peeps of all abilities! 3. Spread the word by asking three friends to take the Pledge. That’s it — easy-peasy! Now you’ve helped students with Down syndrome achieve their college dreams!!
The Austin Chronicle's Weekend Rundown & Cool Socks for a Cause with Ruby's rainbow
The Austin Chronicle's weekend rundown & cool socks for a cause with Ruby's Rainbow
Ruby's Rainbow 3/21 Pledge Committee
Interested in joining the 3/21 Pledge Committee and making a difference in the lives of people with Down syndrome?
Ruby and Nella Go to Work Wrap-up Video!!!
#RubyAndNellaGoToWork is now in session! Presiding over this October Awareness Campaign are two highly qualified and capable (and adorable, I might add) little ladies -Ruby and Nella- who will take us on another adventure as they explore job opportunities and possibilities.
What happens after college? Even though we think it shouldn't, it can look a little different for someone with a disability. We hope to continue to raise the expectation of people with Down syndrome and all abilities while opening the hearts and minds of future employers as well as inspire others to go for their dreams! Along with adorable photos of Ruby and Nella in the workforce, we will be sharing true life recipient stories who are out there killin' it at their jobs!! We hope you follow along and get your heart ready to SMILE BIG!
We all deserve to sit and dream about our future and answer the question "What do you want to be when you grow up?"
2018 Rockin' Recipient Reactions!!
Check out these amazing reactions of our newest Rockin' Recipients as they find out they are being awarded a Ruby's Rainbow Scholarship!!! And a HUGE THANK YOU to all the love and support for helping make their college dreams a reality!!!
SVSU student overcomes obstacles, becomes recipient of $5,000 scholarship
Meet Ruby's Rainbow Rockin' Recipient Olivia!
Meet Ruby's Rainbow Rockin' Recipient Olivia!
Meet Ruby's Rainbow Rockin' Recipient Olivia!
Kirsta Graf at Bethel
Kirsta Graf at Bethel
HarryTV Back it up
Watch Ruby bust a move with Harry Connick Jr on the Harry Show!!
Find out how Ruby's Rainbow is helping adults with Down syndrome reach their full potential.
Find out how Ruby's Rainbow is helping adults with Down syndrome reach their full potential.
Kelle Hampton Story
Kelle Hampton talks about her birth story with her daughter Nella, who was born unexpectedly with Down syndrome, and just how Ruby's Rainbow is helping the world see a brighter future for people with Down syndrome.
George Mason University LIFE Program
Watch what an impact the GMU LIFE Program is having on not only the students in the program, but the entire campus.
Meredith Cripe at GMU LIFE
Meredith Cripe is thriving in the GMU LIFE Program! Watch this video as she reads an actual letter she sent in to Ruby's Rainbow.
Daughter with Down syndrome inspires family to create non-profit
Published on Mar 19, 2017 – AUSTIN – This Tuesday, March 21, is World Down Syndrome Day. This date (3/21) stands for and celebrates the third copy of the 21st chromosome that people with Down Syndrome have. One Austin family is hoping to make a difference on this unique day.
Rachel and Hudson
This touching video of a mom (Rachel) talking about the importance of acceptance and inclusion with her son Hudson and just what Ruby's Rainbow has meant to her and her family.
Liz Plachta Recieving Leadership Award
Ruby's Rainbow Co-Founder, President and most important mom to Ruby receiving " The George Jesien National Leadership Award".
2016 Best Of 2
Ruby's Rainbow Best Of 2!
Midland teen with Down syndrome achieves dream of going to college
At Saginaw Valley State University, he takes three classes, plays cymbals in the marching band and participates in several clubs. Despite the uncertainties, Susan and her husband, Ray, have always been advocates for their son and chose to include him…
Ruby's Rainbow October Awareness Campaign! Follow us on Facebook!
October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month, and during the entire month of October Ruby's Rainbow will be following Ruby and Nella's journey exploring and imagining the possibilities. What do we want to accomplish with this? We want the world to imagine the possibilities and opportunities for people with Down syndrome.
Ruby's Rainbow's Visit to Vandy
Uploaded by Rubys Rainbow on 2016-03-08.
"Faith In Me" Music Video by Karen Waldrup STARRING: All those rockin' that extra chromosome!
Go HERE to donate by 12/31/15 and get the download to this song for FREE!! : https://rubysrainbow.org/donate/ Once you have made a donation of any amount an email with the link to song "Faith In Me" with be sent to the email address provided! Thank you and enjoy!
Ruby's Rainbow: What We Do
Our 2015 scholarship recipients and past Ruby's Rainbow graduates show what Ruby's Rainbow is all about.
Ruby's Rainbow Is Changing Lives and Perceptions with Educational Funding for Adult Students with Down Syndrome - Carestarter
Fortunately, individuals with Down syndrome are now leading more meaningful and fulfilling lives than ever, and they are shattering the stigma and low expectations that, not so long ago, limited them so unfairly. Public perception of these inspiring individuals is also changing and improving, thanks in part to the efforts of organizations like Ruby's Rainbow.
Ruby's Rainbow 2013 video
Ruby's Rainbow is a non-profit organization dedicated to the higher educational needs of adults with Down syndrome. We grant scholarships to adults rockin' that extra chromosome for post secondary education, vocational or enrichment classes. Our hope is to raise the expectations of the individuals and show the world just how cool and capable they are!
Ruby's Rainbow offers hope, help and money for school - Apostrophe Magazine
Three-year-old Ruby Plachta of Ruby's Rainbow might be the world's youngest philanthropist. Born in Austin, Texas, in December 2010, Ruby brought her parents a surprise: Upon her birth, they discovered she had Down syndrome.