Introducing the National Center on Self-Employment, Business Ownership, and Telecommuting

Griffin-Hammis Associates is pleased to announce the launch of the National Center on Self-Employment, Business Ownership, and Telecommuting, supported by the Rehabilitation Service of Administration’s Innovative Rehabilitation Training funds. This five-year project targets increasing self-employment and telecommuting access and outcomes by building the skills, knowledge, and confidence of rehabilitation professionals.

To align The Center’s products with the specific needs of managing and overseeing self-employment and telecommuting cases, initial activities will gather feedback and input from VR Professionals via focus groups and a nationwide needs assessment.   The Center will also review existing state VR self-employment and telecommuting policies, processes, and outcomes.  GHA will collaborate with VCU-RRTC and The Harkin Institute to complete these project activities.  The results will inform the development and design of all project trainings and resources, including: a pre-service and in-service self-employment and telecommuting training modules; monthly recorded webinars; topical resource briefs and technical guidance; and an online and searchable training and resource database searchable by topic. All content will be housed and available 24/7 on The Center’s website (live March, 2021):  www.centeronselfemployment.org.  

We are honored to be a recipient of RSA’s Innovative Rehabilitation grant and look forward to collaborating with Vocational Rehabilitation offices throughout the country on this important initiative. In a time where the pandemic has dramatically and disproportionately impacted employment for people with disabilities, it is our hope and passion that rehabilitation professionals will feel more confident in supporting people with varying disabilities to take advantage of the creative opportunities afforded by self-employment and telecommuting. 

To receiving updates regarding the project and training offerings, please sign up for The Center’s mailing list at www.centeronselfemployment.org.