Key Facts:
Fact 1:
The Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended cites self-employment, telecommuting, and establishing a small business as appropriate employment outcomes.Fact 2:
Services can be provided in many areas:
- Technical Assistance
- Consultation services to conduct market analysis, develop business plans, and provide resources
- Funding entrepreneurial/self-employment training
- Connecting with advisors and mentors, marketing, management, and specialized topics
Fact 3:
Despite the legislative efforts to promote it, self-employment outcomes in vocational rehabilitation comprise a small percentage of case closures (compared to national self-employment rates of persons with disabilities at 10%).Self-employment Case Closure Rates in State VR
1997
Not considered competitive closure
2005
1.7%
2019
0.17%
Fact 4:
Self-employment for individuals with disabilities may be a logical alternative for many reasons including:
- More flexibility in scheduling and work hours (can address health issues)
- Allowing accommodations without the need for disclosure
- Direct control over the work environment, coworkers, and collaborators
- Greater opportunity for career development, success, asset building, and self-sufficiency
- Allowing for greater fluctuations in income for those receiving benefits through the Social Security Administration
- Allowing individuals to remain close to their established support network
- Reducing environmental barriers to employment such as transportation and accessibility issues
- Earning significantly higher hourly wages
- Positive social-psychological benefits
Recommended Readings:
- The U.S. Small Business Administration outlines 10 steps to start your own business, provides a program for writing a business plan, allows individuals to search for business consulting services and training near them, and has numerous tools for planning, launching, managing, and growing a business.
- SCORE is a nonprofit resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration. It provides workshops on varying business startup topics, has a library of guides and other resources, and allows individuals to connect with a mentor.
- The Job Accommodation Network (JAN) provides resources for individuals and rehabilitation professionals surrounding all aspects of entrepreneurship, including Social Security benefits and tax resources.
Entrepreneurship | Resources for Entrepreneurs with Disabilities.