Special Issue! Employment Across the Board

More documents

Recommendations

Info

MINDING your own business Some folks, with or without disabilities, look to “hang out a shingle”, so to speak, and create a business of their own, using their own talents and interests. These can be in “white collar” professions (such as doctor, lawyer, accountant), “blue collar” trades (electrician, plumber, advice did not come with any practical suggestions for starting a micro-enterprise and making it into a profitable, enjoyable, and fulfilling venture for all involved. So, like the Little Red Hen, I will do that myself (but don’t expect a loaf of bread at the end of this article!). carpenter), creative/performing arts (artist, writer, photographer, musician), and a host of other possibilities. The conception and birth of a micro-enterprise can start with four one-word questions: who, what, where, and how (not necessarily in that order). Whatever direction you go, for an aspiring entrepreneur (with or without disabilities), you need more than a wing and a prayer. The following article, written several years ago by Milestones Magazine publisher Susie Redfern, provides some tips and resources. WHAT? What do I plan to do or make, produce, distribute, and sell? Some people base a business on a talent or skill for which they have an interest, maybe even a passion, such as painting. Others design or invent a product that solves a problem affecting them or The Birth, Care, Feeding, and Maintenance of a Micro-enterprise Entrepreneurship (as in owning/operating a business) is a milestone/goal to which some aspire, and one to which some people with disabilities regard as preferable. Its potential for income coming from something you like to do and are good at without having to be hired and fit into an established workplace can be attractive. a family member; such as an easy-fastening mechanism for people who have arthritis. Still others base a business on a service that businesses and individuals need: lawns have to be cut, papers shredded, attics cleaned, and so on. And some people and businesses don’t have the time, ability, or desire to do these things themselves, so they’re willing to “outsource” them (which is where you come in). As the parent of a child with a disability, this option, suggested for my son from school district transition personnel, basically amounts to “go forth and micro-enterprise”. Though I know it’s probably grammatically (though perhaps not politically) incorrect to use micro-enterprise as a verb, this may not be such bad advice, especially for the more WHO? To whom do you plan to sell your product/service. Some, by their very nature, are local, so potential customers or clients are folks in your neck of the woods. Lawns cannot be exported to China. Others, with the help of computers and the internet, can be regional, national, or even global in scope. entrepreneurially minded among us. However, the 15
WHERE? Where will the product be displayed or sold? Artistic work typically shows up at art galleries, “flea market” type events and websites such as Etsy. Writers can blog. Clothing products can be sold at retail stores (usually distributed through a wholesaler). Life’s Plan Inc. Pooled Trust Services, www.lifesplaninc.org Life’s Plan Inc. Pooled Trust Services periodically offers Micro-industry grants of up to $2,000 for adults with disabilities or mental illness who meet Social Security’s disability eligibility criteria under Social Security’s Supplemental Security Income program. This is a one-time award for individuals HOW? How will the product be displayed or sold? This question is similar to the where question, and can often produce the same answer. or partnerships (less than 4 people). Details about proposal requirements can be found at Life’s Plan’s website and questions/inquiries can be emailed to Scott Nixon at lifesplangrants@raygraham.org. As you may have realized by now, answers to these 4 questions often overlap, and collectively can provide the underpinnings of a business plan. A business plan, whether informal or professionally done, helps you focus on the essentials of your business. It is required if you will approach a traditional loan source, such as a bank, for financing. And it may be necessary for types of creative financing, such as venture capital, whether from an established fund or through crowd-funding. Local (Chicago Area) Micro-Enterprise The Perk Center Cafe is a not-for-profit business enterprise created through Great Potentials, Inc. and by four parents and one sibling of an individual with intellectual/developmental disabilities. It is a collaboration with the Glenview Park District, who donates the space for the Cafe. The Perk Center Cafe’s goals are four-fold: to provide employment, volunteer, and vocational training opportunities to individuals with developmental disabilities; to offer good quality food to customers; to build positive The following resources are both based in the Chicago area. Life’s Plan Inc. Pooled Trust Services can help with financing for individuals who meet their criteria. Perk Center Café can serve as an example or inspiration for folks looking to start their own micro-enterprise. relationships in the community; and to serve as model to others who might wish to create businesses for the purpose of employment of people with disabilities. Feel free to visit the website: perkcentercafe.org or contact Gail Metrick at gmetrick@comcast.net. M 16
Page 1 and 2: eyond disabilities Fall Issue 2021
Page 4 and 5: SUPPORT EMPLOYMENT FAMILY STYLE Man
Page 6 and 7: TRANSITIONINGTeens with Disabilitie
Page 8 and 9: Ticket to Work, IRWE and PASS it on
Page 10 and 11: ENTERING THE WORKFORCE What to say
Page 12 and 13: Planning Licensed to practice in Ca
Page 14 and 15: Customized EMPLOYMENT Finding/keepi
Page 18 and 19: Competitive Employment training Fin
Page 20 and 21: Job Roundup Chicago Milestones Maga
Page 22 and 23: 21
Page 24: MILESTONES Helping Individuals with

Special Issue! Employment Across the Board

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?