Self-Employment Policies

Abstract

In 1991In -1992 Research and Training Center on Rural Rehabilitation (RTC: Rural) evaluated 45 state vocational rehabilitation (VR) agencies' policies and procedures regarding self-employment for people with disabilities. Based on this analysis, researchers developed and broadly disseminated a model VR self-employment policy. In 2002, RTC: Rural investigated state policies again to see how they had changed. This article reports the results of that investigation. Overall, current policies are much more positive toward self-employment than previous ones. The number of model policy components addressed has increased from an average of 3.7 components to an average of 6.6 components. Many agencies have developed self-employment programs and published manuals specifically for counselors. The article concludes with policy recommendations and suggests areas for future research.

The Process and Experiences of Self-Employment Among People With Disabilities: A Qualitative Study

“…Following a review of literature, researchers developed 14 open-ended questions addressing the experiences of self-employed PWD. The 14 questions centered around the reasons for seeking self-employment (Ali et al, 2011; Hagner & Davies, 2002; McNaughton et al, 2006; Palmer et al, 2000; Rizzo, 2002), the process of self-employment (Callahan et al, 2011; Griffin et al, 2014; Kulkarni & Gopakumar, 2014), and the role of VRCs (Arnold & Ipsen, 2005; Burkhalter & Curtis, 1990; Froehlich & Linkowski, 2002; Ipsen, Arnold, & Colling, 2005; Ravesloot & Seekins, 1996; Yamamoto & Alverson, 2013). Once developed, the survey questions were then sent to eight experts in the field for review to assure comprehensiveness and address survey credibility.…”

“…Although self-employment is a viable alternative to more traditional employment options, a number of VR system deficiencies have been related to failures to assist PWD in their pursuit of self-employment, including a lack of self-employment business development training for vocational rehabilitation counselors (VRCs), additional agency follow-up and implementation of monitoring policies, and clarification on limits to state investments and funding levels. Moreover, service providers may not be prepared to assist consumers in making informed choices about the supports available to facilitate success and navigate available services and resources (Arnold & Ipsen, 2005; Hein, Lustig, & Uruk, 2005; Palmer et al, 2000). Although numerous government and state resources are available, state VR vary greatly in their policies, practices, and encouragement of self-employment (U.S.…”

Social Entrepreneurs with Disabilities: Exploring Motivational and Attitudinal Factors

“…However, it wasn't until the Choice Access Project that researchers and policymakers alike recognized that people with disabilities had an interest in selfemployment and entrepreneurship (Arnold & Ipsen, 2005;Callahan, Shumpert, & Mast, 2002).…”

Entrepreneurial Barriers Faced by Disabled in India

“…There is a need to understand that generalisation cannot work as there are differences in disabilities such as the type, severity, time period and time of onset of disability. Earlier studies on entrepreneurship for the disabled suggest that concentrated, customized, one-to-one, or small group assistance, may produce the most successful outcomes rather than the generalised government policy support (Arnold & Ipsen, 2005;Enabled4Enterprise 2009;EMDA, 2009;Dotson et al, 2013).Also government can play a significant role in supporting the development and use assistive technology to ensure continual improvement of entrepreneurs with disabilities. Assistive technology are becoming more sophisticated, increasingly portable, less expensive and easier to use, and as result, hold greater potential for improving the inclusion of people with disabilities in economic activities such as entrepreneurship (Angelocci et al, 2008).…”