Archive for April 2009
Self-Employment & Entrepreneurship for People with Disabilities
An Introduction to Self-Employment and Entrepreneurship for People with Disabilities
Date: May 28, 2009
Time: 3:00 p.m. EDT; 2:00 p.m. CDT; 1:00 p.m. MDT; 12:00 p.m. PDT
To participate in this free webinar, email agrability@agrability.org by May 22 and simply put the word “Webinar” in the subject line. Instructions for accessing the session will be sent to registrants by May 27.
Nineteen years after the passage of the ADA, a large percentage of people with disabilities remain unemployed. However, self-employment offers a viable option for those who have entrepreneurial leanings. Join the National AgrAbility Project for this free webinar that explores such topics as:
- What are the pros and cons of self-employment for people with disabilities?
- Who is best suited for taking on the challenge of self-employment, and what types of evaluation instruments can help with that determination?
- How should self-employment be explored via the Vocational Rehabilitation system and other means?
Our Presenter: Steve Swain is the National AgrAbility Project’s Assistive Technology Specialist and a RESNA-certified Assistive Technology Professional. He has guided many consumers through Indiana’s Vocational Rehabilitation Small Business Enterprise Program and will share his experiences and advice.
A question and answer period will follow the presentation. Feel free to pass on this invitation to others you believe may be interested.
Contact AgrAbility at 800-825-4264 if you have questions.
Indiana Employment Statistics for those with Disabilities
The U.S. Department of Labor recently released the first official employment statistics about people with disabilities. As of February 2009, the unemployment rate of people with disabilities was 14 percent, compared with 8.7 percent of persons without disabilities, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Sparked by the overall increase in the nation’s unemployment rates, the department’s Office of Disabilitiy Employment Policy (ODEP) will now update and publish the data monthly.
The employment population ratio for people with disabilities was 19.8 percent, compared with 64.8 percent for people without disabilities. The employment population ratio shows the proportion of employed individuals to the total number of civilians 16 years or older not living in institutions.
“Americans with disabilities typically experience similiar employment difficulties-even when there is a robust economy,” said John Davey, deputy assistant secretary for ODEP. “The economic downturn may just exacerbate their struggle.”
Support for families of children with disabilities
Family members of children with disabilities may be able to receive reimbursement for attending conferences, workshops, public forums or other events where they learn more about the child’s disability and available services. The new Family Involvement Fund (FIF) also reimburses family members for participating in webcasts, teleconferences, online workshops or other activities. In addition, the FIF provides reimbursement for approved purchases of print materials such as book or manuals, as well as other media, including CDs and DVDs. Seperate funding is also available within the FIF for parents who are asked to participate officially as members on their Local Planning and Coordinating Council (LPCC), its committees and sponsored activities. Individuals may receive up to $250 and families up to $500 for the grant year. Awards are per individual or family, not per child.
Board Meeting Minutes Updated
Hello to all!
The Board Meeting Minutes for April 2009 have been updated to Handicapable’s website.
Hope everyone has a wonderful spring break…and stay warm! 
