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| Self
–employment is grounded in the belief that all people
have strengths, interests, preferences and innate ability
to perform work competently when offered choices, respect,
support, hope and opportunities. (Griffin & Hammis 1996,
2001b:Sirolli,1999) |
The project:
Throughout the years employment endeavors for
individuals with disabilities has changed from sheltered workshops,
to enclaves and finally to supported employment. In our East
Texas area where counties are spread far apart and resources
are limited, individuals with disabilities remain at a greater
disadvantage of becoming gainfully employed, even through
supported employment endeavors. Not only is self-employment
the next logical step, in some cases it is the only viable
option for a person with disability to become gainfully employed.
Self-employment offers individuals the opportunity for more
flexibility regarding their work day, more flexibility as
to the money they can earn and more flexibility in choices
of the types of employment one may pursue. |
| The Texas
Customized Self-Employment project
is designed to work with individuals with disabilities, family
members, advocates and providers in teaching philosophy of
self employment. Trainers from the Montana Rural Institute,
a nationally recognized leader in self-employment will augment
the training. Education will be provided regarding all aspects
of the self- employment endeavor which could include but is
not limited to the Discovery process, Business Design, Market
Feasibility, Setting up the business, On-going support, Social
Security, etc. A demonstration of the process with ongoing
technical support will be provided by the trainers from MRI.
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Who Can
Particpate:
Individuals
with disabilities, family members, advocates, agency providers,
educators or anyone interested in learning more about the
process of self employment for people with disabilities.
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Financial support for the Texas Customized Self Employment Project is provided by the Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities with federal funds made available by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration on Developmental Disabilities.
($123,884) (78%) DD funds; ($ 35,177) (22%) non-federal resources
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