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

About the Authors

Cary Griffin

Cary Griffin is Senior Partner at Griffin-Hammis Associates, a full-service 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 with Virginia Commonwealth University. Cary maintains a strong relationship with the Rural Institute at the University of Montana and is the former executive director of the Region VIII Community Rehabilitation and Rehabilitation Continuing Education programs at the University of Northern Colorado.

David Hammis

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

Beth Keeton

Beth has worked closely with state vocational rehabilitation agencies in Florida and Texas on statewide self-employment certification curricula, and other national self-employment projects.

Molly Sullivan

Molly has worked in direct service and program management for nonprofit and government agencies and has provided training and technical assistance to professionals in disability services on innovative employment strategies.

Self-Employment as a Mainstream Approach to Adult Life

Important Terms in This Chapter

1. Community Rehabilitation Programs (CRPs): Local rehabilitation agencies that offer sheltered employment, supported employment, service coordination, and state-funded services.
2. Small Business Administration (SBA): A federal agency that sponsors small business development programs throughout the U.S.
3. Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs): Centers that provide assistance with business feasibility, planning, marketing, and management.
4. Social Security Administration (SSA): The primary benefits system in the U.S. for people with disabilities, managing programs like Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).
5. Vocational Rehabilitation (VR): A state and federally funded program assisting individuals with significant disabilities in finding employment.
6. Workforce Investment Act (WIA): A federal act creating One-Stop Centers for employment services.

Many people begin their working lives as teenagers. Unfortunately, for most students with significant disabilities, this natural part of learning real-life skills is missing. Legislation holds the promise of equal access to careers and employment.

Self-employment is recognized in revised state Vocational Rehabilitation agency policies, providing a promising career option for individuals with significant disabilities. Self-employment allows individuals to use, create, and purchase various supports akin to owning a business, which aligns well with the American dream.

Self-employment opportunities are increasing, with state VR agencies beginning to support individuals in achieving self-employment, though closure rates are often low.

Choosing Self-Employment

Self-employment is a personal choice that should be balanced with various life circumstances, such as financial position and the viability of business ideas. Indicators of potential success in self-employment include prior work experience and vocational skills.

Examples of Successful Individuals and Businesses

• Andrew: A man who developed a successful business selling stuffed animals after being seen as “too disabled” to work.
• George: A young man with autism who started a greenhouse business supplying specialty plants after crafting a vocational profile tailored to his strengths.
• Sarah: A woman who successfully operated an espresso business within a bakery after facing unmanageable challenges in traditional employment.
• Edward: A man diagnosed with schizophrenia who established a successful glass installation business after identifying a gap in customer service at his former jobs.

In these examples, self-employment became a viable option through careful assessment of individual strengths and interests.

Typical Concerns About Small Business and Disability

Implementing self-employment for individuals with significant disabilities involves addressing fears about starting and managing a business. Contrary to popular belief, the success rate of small businesses is relatively high. Self-employment offers a valuable opportunity for many individuals facing barriers in traditional employment, focusing on individual skills and talents rather than competition with others.

Ultimately, the decision to pursue self-employment must align with the individual’s skills, desires, and market needs.