Disabled Entrepreneurs
Self-employment pushed as option for the disabled
The nonemployment rate of adults with severe disabilities is
around 70 percent, according to the Presidential Task Force on
Employment of Adults with Disabilities. Now there is a growing
movement to prepare these Americans for self-employment. Several
new resources available include:
Alice Weiss Doyel's book, No More Job Interviews! Self-Employment
Strategies for People With Disabilities (Training Resource
Network Inc.), gives potential entrepreneurs a one-stop resource.
In addition to case studies of business owners with disabilities,
the book provides resources, debunks the myths about the business
capabilities of the disabled, and offers information on available
consulting services.
In Irvine, California, the Self-Employment of the Enterprising
Disabled Institute (S.E.E.D.) has created an online home-study
program at www.seedinstitute.org designed
to help people with disabilities start businesses at their own
pace. S.E.E.D. is a nonprofit organization that helps individuals
start businesses and find funding. In addition to online
instruction, the institute offers individualized assistance from
business counselors. While charges range from $10 to $35 per hour,
S.E.E.D. offers scholarships to help defray the cost.
Content Continues Below
The agency primarily serves Southern California, but officials
do provide referrals to other organizations nationwide that offer
similar services. Call (949) 752-8834.