Operating a Home-Based Business Can Be Particularly Challenging for Those With Disabilities. Here Are a Few Things to Consider.
By Gregory H. Bey
There are 54 million people in the United States who have some kind of disability. Only one out of every four of these disabled people are able to find some kind of employment. Many of these have started or would like to start, their own home-based business.
People face all kinds of physical disabilities. Some are partially paralyzed, blind, have very low vision, or some other limitation that inhibits them from moving about without the aid of a wheelchair, cane, walker or other instrument. For these people operating a home-based business can present many challenges. However, if they are sincere, determined and motivated, they WILL find a way to overcome the obstacles. This is demonstrated by thousands of disabled people who are already successfully operating home-based businesses from their homes.
As a person who is myself legally blind and working alone, I've had to overcome obstacles almost on a daily basis, trying to operate a mail order marketing business. Yes, I know a mail order business may not be the best type of business for a person with very low vision to conduct. But it's the business I choose to operate.
WHAT KIND OF HOME-BASED BUSINESS CAN A PERSON WITH A DISABILITY OPERATE?
If you have a disability, this is a question that you'll have to answer for yourself. The fact is, there are people with disabilities operating a wide variety of home-based businesses. The key is, don't be afraid to face the challenge of doing something on your own.
Don't listen to people who tell you you're incapable of operating your own business just because you have a disability. It has been demonstrated tens of thousands of times that if you have a strong enough desire, IT CAN BE DONE.
Of course, if you're going to be working alone, your disability may not allow you to operate certain types of businesses. For example, a blind person might find it impossible to operate some type of delivery or messenger service working by themselves. The same thing might apply to a person who is in a wheelchair. However, there is a simple way around this. Find someone who would be willing to do the driving.
The fact is, we all have some type of skill, talent or ability we can tap into that would enable us to start some kind of business. What special skills or talents do you have? Believe it or not, there is something that you can excel in. You just haven't considered the talents that you possess. Why don't you take some time and think about the skills and talents that you have gained through your own life experience. Give some thought to the things you enjoy doing, even if you think that your disability limits you from doing some of these things.
Perhaps, if you give it some serious thought, you will find that your negative thoughts are the only things keeping you from doing what you really want to do. After all, this is really where it all starts, in the mind. Everything starts with a thought. If you can overcome the obstacles that are in your own mind, you'll be surprised and delighted at what you can accomplish.
WHERE SHOULD YOU BEGIN?
Your first step is to believe in yourself enough to make the decision to start your own home-based business. Next, you need to consider the type of business you would like to start. As a matter of fact, there may be a number of businesses you might consider starting. Make a list of your business ideas.
Then do some research. If you have more than one business idea, your research will help narrow your focus down to a final decision as to the business which is best for you.
There are two ways to tackle your research: if you have a computer, and are online, you have access to all of the information that you need, right at your fingertips. If you don't have a computer, your local library might have all the information you need. There may be a library for the blind and physically handicapped in your area. You can call the Library of Congress at 1-800-424-8567. They will give you a listing and phone number of a library in your area.
These libraries offer books on computer disk, cassettes, Braille and large print. This service is free to people who have a physical disability. In order to receive their services you simply send them a letter from your doctor stating your condition. Ask and they will send you any information that they have available on starting a home-based business. You should also contact book stores in your area and request books related to starting home-based business. If you have vision problems or you are unable to hold a book or turn pages, you may consider books on cassette tapes that are usually available at most book stores.
Doing the research and gathering as much information as you can is a very important part of starting your business. It's a big mistake to think you can start a successful business without doing your homework.
WHERE CAN YOU GET HELP AND MONEY TO START YOUR BUSINESS?
Many people with disabilities are on a fixed income or have very limited funds. If this is your situation, you may still be able to get some assistance to help get your business started. You may even be able to obtain special equipment you need to operate your business.
Every municipality has an agency that deals with people who have some type of disability. This is where you should begin to seek the help you need. If you're not familiar with the agency that deals with your disability you can call your state capitol and ask for information on the state agency related to your disability. These agencies are funded by the state and almost always have programs to help people adapt to the challenges their disabilities present. Explain what you want to do and ask if they have a program that could help you start your own business.
You should ask if they have any information on grants or low interest loans that can help you to finance your business.
If you're going to need financial help to start your home-based business, you should consider doing the following before seeking financial assistance:
* Determine exactly what type of business you want to start.* Prepare a business plan.
* Gather information on any special assistive devices that you may need to help you operate your business.
Don't get discouraged if things don't go as you planned right away. You're going to encounter obstacles. But for every road block that is thrown in your path, there is a way over, under or around it. DON'T GIVE UP!
Gregory H. Bey would like to hear from disabled entrepreneurs who have started their own businesses. He is compiling information for articles to give disabled entrepreneurs national exposure and help inspire other disabled people who may want to operate their own business. You can contact him at:
Day-Star Communications 7023 Hermitage St. Pittsburgh, PA 15208-1110 Phone: 412-363-7187 Email: gregory.bey@mail-call.net
You can also receive a special free 12-page report on starting your own mail order business. Just send three first-class stamps to the above address.
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