The 17%: Film Screening and Discussion  

Come join us at New Horizons for a special event featuring a screening of the thought-provoking documentary, The 17%. Winner of a 2024 Student Academy Award, the film depicts the story of Collette Divitto, who was born with Down syndrome. Collette attended the LIFE Program at Clemson University and finished the three-year program in just two years. She then moved to Boston to pursue employment. After being rejected by 15 different companies, this remarkable young lady decided to take matters into her own hands. She had a passion for baking and launched Collettey’s Cookies.

Her story has been featured on CNN, Good Morning America, MSNBC, CBS, ABC, and many more. Now she employs 15 people, several with disabilities.

Her inspiring story is the subject of The 17%. Aaron Johnson, the filmmaker behind this film, will be at New Horizons to share insights into the film, as well as the larger issues at stake in disability employment.