Although my participation in the Tulsa Entrepreneurial Spirit Award is now behind me, my commitment to the concept of entrepreneurship for individuals with disabilities is not. I have learned a great deal about business, entrepreneurship, and myself that I would like to share in an effort to make this concept less overwhelming for those who are considering it.
Here are just a few of the things I haved learned or been reminded of as a result of this competition:
• My definition of "success" may not be the same as most and that's okay.
I think we are all so focused on defining "success" by the size of the pile of dollars we create. We quickly forget that there are other ways to define it. I intend to remind myself that success was once Ashley's ability to transfer an object from one hand to another. I do not have to define my success or Ashley's by someone else's arbitrary standard.
• "Disabled" is not synonymous with "charity" or "not-for-profit."
I have checked the dictionary and these words are not synonyms! While it may be difficult for most people to think beyond these terms, I do not have to buy into it. People value what they pay for and it is not unreasonable to create employment based on "a day's work for a day's pay." It is possible.
• When I try to please others, I please no one, not even myself.
I am willing to listen to the ideas of others; I am still learning. But I cannot loose sight of my own vision. My vision will not be my own if I try to conform to someone else's. They have not walked in my shoes and may not see my path. The best way to show them is to move forward rather than just talk about it.
• It's enough to change the life of one person; I don't have to change the world.
I spent many years involved in "systems advocacy" until I realized that, in general, it doesn't work. The "players" are vested in the status quo so lasting systems change is nearly impossible to achieve. When I realized "systems advocacy" moved too slowly, or didn't move at all, I redirected my focus back on the individual (Ashley!) and the power of assistive technology, and I was once again a very "happy camper."
Changing the world by changing the life of just one person is enough. That change is tangible, both for the individual and for others who observe it. Everyone gets to redefine their perception of what an individual with disabilities can do. That's a good thing.
I got caught up in trying to create "systems" change regarding entrepreneurship and job creation. Nice idea but big mistake. I am again focused on one person: Ashley. And that's enough for now.
I will share more as time permits. This is too important a subject to stop sharing and learning.
Here are some links to get you started:
•Employment programs for disabled youth: an internationl approach
•Disability World: Self-Employment of Disabled People in Developing Countries
•Rise Program: Reach Independence Through Self-Employment
•Small Business Notes: Disabled Entrepreneurs
•Business Week: Time to Enlist the Disabled in the Entrepreneurial Revolusion
•Business.gov: Business Resources for Disabled People
•U.S. Department of Labor Office of Disability Employment Policy: Building Blocks for Success- Policies, Programs, and Practices
•Self-employment programs for disabled remain underused
office jobs, reducing labor expenses and capital equipment needs (such as metering and folding machines, high capacity staplers, and laser printers). We provide pick-up and delivery.
Our focus is small to mid-size companies needing personal attention. We specialize in folding, stuffing and metering of monthly statements for medical billing companies and other professional offices needing monthly or as needed mail services.
While one young adult, Ashley, has been the impetus for the creation of manyabilities, our mission is to use this business model to create meaningful employment opportunities for many individuals with disabilities.
manyabilities is one of