Griffin Excerpt Page 1

Making Self-Employment Work for People with Disabilities

Second Edition

by Cary Griffin, David Hammis, Beth Keeton, and Molly Sullivan
Griffin-Hammis Associates, LLC
Florence, Montana

Contents

About the Authors

Cary Griffin

Cary Griffin is Senior Partner at Griffin-Hammis Associates, a consultancy specializing in building communities of economic cooperation, creating high-performance organizations, and focusing on disability and employment. He is also Co-Director of the U.S. Department of Labor’s National Self-Employment Technical Assistance, Resources, and Training project.

David Hammis

David Hammis was Executive Director of the Center for Social Capital; Senior Partner at Griffin-Hammis Associates; and National Technical Assistance Co-Director for Self-Employment Technical Assistance, Resources, and Training (START-UP/USA).

Beth Keeton

Beth Keeton is Senior Consultant with Griffin-Hammis Associates and has worked closely with state vocational rehabilitation agencies to develop self-employment certification curriculum.

Molly Sullivan

Molly Sullivan has been aiding people with disabilities in pursuit of self-employment since the 1990s and has provided training and technical assistance on employment strategies.

Self-Employment as a Mainstream Approach to Adult Life

Important Terms in This Chapter

Many people begin their working lives as teenagers, but this natural pathway is often disrupted for students with significant disabilities. Numerous legislators and legal rulings have aimed to reinforce equal access to careers. Unfortunately, many transition-age youth remain unemployed or underemployed, leading to a continued exploration of self-employment as a vital option.

Self-employment serves as a promising avenue for individuals with significant disabilities, particularly due to its growing recognition across various state policies and vocational rehabilitation agencies. Notably, self-employment accommodates a wide spectrum of personal situations and builds on existing skills and supports.

Choosing Self-Employment

Self-employment is not universally suitable; it requires consideration of various factors, such as personal support and business viability. Ensuring success involves supports akin to those any entrepreneur would typically require.

Examples of Successful Individuals and Businesses

  1. Andrew: A middle-aged gentleman previously confined to institutional life who successfully runs a stuffed animal sales business at a local nature center.
  2. George: A young man with autism who established a greenhouse business, serving customers and exceeding initially projected profits.
  3. Sarah: A woman diagnosed with depression who operated an espresso business within a bakery successfully.
  4. Edward: A young man with schizophrenia who built a successful glass installation business, transforming personal challenges into entrepreneurial opportunities.

These individuals illustrate how tailored opportunities for self-employment can lead to successful outcomes, abiding by the principle of highlighting individual talents rather than perceived limitations.

Typical Concerns About Small Business and Disability

Despite assumptions about the viability of individuals with disabilities in business, the long-term success rate is favorable, with many small businesses thriving over extended periods. Self-employment allows individuals to engage in opportunities that emphasize their unique skills, thus challenging traditional employment paradigms.

Disclaimer: The information above has been adapted for clarity and meaningful content. For the official publication, please refer to the appropriate resources.