LINCOLN, Ill. (WAND) — Kelly Tople's 19-year-old daughter Kennedy is set to finish school soon. But unlike others her age, she won't be jumping directly into college or a job. 

"Kennedy is nonverbal and she's autistic, but she loves to stay busy," said Tople. "We started to plan for life after school, what would that look like? Unfortunately, for a lot of kids with disabilities, the resources and things like that dwindle in adulthood." 

Tople knows Kennedy could do well in a work-environment, but due to stigmas about people with autism, and judgement from community members, there aren't many opportunities for her. 

That's why Tople created Heart and Flour Bakery, which operates out of her home kitchen. Each day after school, Kennedy comes home and helps make bread, cookies, or whatever else is scheduled for that day. 

"Creating something where she can keep her hands busy and learn news things and take pride in them ... has really improved her confidence in herself and given her more independence," said Tople. "We've collided her love and need for structure and my love for baking to put them together and create something that helps her and others with disabilities." 

Right now, Kelly and Kennedy sell their baked goods through their Facebook page. But their goal is to expand into a brick and mortar location, where Kennedy can connect with others with disabilities. 

"About 80% of the disabled community can't find jobs, whether that be because places aren't handicap accessible or employers just aren't comfortable hiring them, and that's not because of their abilities of being able to work," said Tople. "Having a child with special needs I do see her abilities and I know that as long as we give people like Kennedy the time, they can be some of our best and most loyal employees." 

Heart and Flour's tagline is "Equal Kneads Bakery," and Tople hopes to live up to that phrase by showing the community how well Kennedy does in her role. 

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