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

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 with Virginia Commonwealth University. Cary provides training to professionals in the rehabilitation field and has authored multiple works related to customized employment (CE) and self-employment.

David Hammis

David Hammis was Executive Director of the Center for Social Capital and Senior Partner at Griffin-Hammis Associates. He worked on customized and self-employment, benefits analysis, and supported employment initiatives, helping individuals with disabilities achieve gainful employment.

Beth Keeton

Beth Keeton is Senior Consultant with Griffin-Hammis Associates and has collaborated with state vocational rehabilitation agencies to develop self-employment certification curricula. She has expertise in business planning and has authored materials related to navigating government benefits and employment for individuals with disabilities.

Molly Sullivan

Molly Sullivan has supported people with disabilities in pursuing wage and self-employment since the 1990s. She provides training and technical assistance to professionals in disability services and has expertise in self-employment and benefits planning.

Self-Employment as a Mainstream Approach to Adult Life

Important Terms in This Chapter

Many people begin their working lives as teenagers, but for students with significant disabilities, this opportunity is often absent. Legislation like the Education for All Handicapped Children Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act aims to ensure equal access to employment, yet many transition-age youth graduate without jobs. Self-employment is emerging as a viable alternative to traditional employment, offering individuals with disabilities a way to create their own opportunities.

Choosing Self-Employment

Self-employment is not for everyone; it depends on factors like financial position, availability of support, and viability of the business idea. Indicators that suggest potential for success include prior relevant experience and support structures. For example, many small business owners have learned a trade or skill through previous work experience.

Examples of Successful Individuals and Businesses

  1. Andrew - After a life spent in institutions, he started selling stuffed animals at a nature center with support from agency staff.
  2. George - Previously deemed unemployable, he launched a greenhouse business with help from a local farming family, resulting in personal and professional growth.
  3. Sarah - Operated an espresso business within a bakery, providing her with a supportive environment and the opportunity to develop her skills and confidence.
  4. Edward - Leveraged his glass installation experience to start a successful business, demonstrating the power of belief in one's abilities.

Typical Concerns about Small Business and Disability

Concerns often arise around the viability of small businesses started by individuals with significant disabilities. However, statistics show a high survival rate for small businesses, and self-employment can offer a unique opportunity for individuals who face challenges in traditional employment settings. This book highlights the importance of customized employment, focusing on the individuality of each person and the supports they need to succeed in self-employment.