This document introduces innovations that support self-employment for people with disabilities. It discusses the founder's experience starting their own business after facing employment challenges due to a disability. It highlights the need to provide information, support, and tools to assist entrepreneurs with disabilities through all stages of business. The organization was formed through online collaboration and aims to continue building its global network and library of resources while encouraging innovative policies around disability employment.
2. My Path June 2006 received acceptance into SEB 52 week program after bad employment experience. Started Access Infinity Management because it is my belief that access should be infinite. Since starting the business I have continuous had to negotiate my rights as a self-employed person Alone in my pursuit –lonely place
3. Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. Margaret Mead
6. It’s not the destination but the journey… Professionals withDisabilities Entrepreneurs with Disabilities
7. Who Are We? Committed group of entrepreneurs with disabilities and service providers committed to supporting the self-employment aspirations of people with disabilities
14. Recognized Need…. Respond to the information needs of pwds who are in business and those who are developing ideas for future business Inform disability employment policy by showcasing success Provide support Develop tools to assist members through all cycles of business
15. Synergy and the power of social media Lessons learned through the power of online community This initiative was born out of online collaboration Work is done collaboratively Using Skype, PB works, Linkedin, Twitter and a growing number of tools
16. The Way Forward Moving from online on to the beat and track Continue to build network of entrepreneurs with disabilities Continue to build library of online resources Encourage innovation and progressive policy directions when discussing the employment of pwds
19. The Way Forward Moving from online on to the beat and track Continue to build network of entrepreneurs with disabilities Continue to build library of online resources Encourage innovation and progressive policy directions when discussing the employment of pwds
Our logo is a step toward realizing this vision, and is the result of us getting to know and work with each other across three continents and seven time zones! 'It is a symbol of love, joy, and beauty. The hummingbird is also able to fly backwards, teaching us that we can look back on our past. But, this bird also teaches that we must not dwell on our past; we need to move forward. When the hummingbird hovers over flowers while drinking nectar, we learn that we should savor each moment, and appreciate the things we love.'
It’s not quantity it’s about quality, quality quality Small group synergyCommitment, support and collaboration are key to the success of any venture and networking is a key tool. Linked in provided the tool through its discussion forums and the members of the team brought the rest. Bringing our A-Game to create something created for people with disabilities by people with disabilities and the potential to alter futures for the better.Stages of group developmentBruce Tuckman (1965) developed a 4-stage model of group development. He labelled the stages, Dr Suess-style:1. Forming: The group comes together and gets to initially know one other and form as a group. 2. Storming: A chaotic vying for leadership and trialling of group processes 3. Norming: Eventually agreement is reached on how the group operates (norming) 4. Performing: The group practices its craft and becomes effective in meeting its objectives.
Although we started on Linkedin and it remains a vital part of our communication network it is only part of the puzzle.
IT IS NOT JUST ABOUT GETTING A JOB, IT IS ABOUT PROVIDING A JOB FOR YOURSELF AND BUILDING COMMERICAL VALUE IN THE MARKETPLACETHE GANG OF 9: WE ARE SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS OWNERS WITH DIS PARTNERING WITH OTHERS WHO DO NOT HAVE DIS FROM 10 TIME ZONES AND 4 CONTINENTS
After less than six months our collaborative effort is reaching around the world to bring entrepreneurs with disabilities together. The Global Network Of Entrepreneurs with Disabilities (GNED )Online Community Still in DevelopmentStructure in DevelopmentFounding Group Members have “Founder” credit Decision on the groups direction are made through lots of discussion using all the tools at our disposal
Recent statistics Canada survey reports a surge in self-employment startups due to the most recent economic downturn. People with disabilities also start businesses for the same reasons as a nondisabled counterparts. However, adds extra component to the equation.
Recent statistics Canada survey reports a surge in self-employment startups due to the most recent economic downturn. People with disabilities also start businesses for the same reasons as a nondisabled counterparts. However, adds extra component to the equation.The ability to control the parameters of one’s work in the considerations of disability make it an attractive option.
People with disabilities often hear you can’t do that when it comes to employment, education and general engagement in life.Many people with disabilities would not consider self-employment options because they have previously not had success in the work force or support mechanisms discourage self-employment endeavors. Many support programs do not support self-employment as a viable option.Change of perspective self-employment provides a way of Negotiating Barriers found in traditional work place settingsNot negating that self-employment does have challengesYet self-employment provides options for if not going through the wall getting around it little by little. Governments acknowledge they must nurture self-employment as a workforce option. However in the case of people with disabilities governments have been slow to respond with open-mindedness although this is changing. It begins with the acknowledgment of the capacity of people with disabilities to reach levels of appropriate meaningful employment whether it be by a traditional employee employer relationship or a self-employment venture. Self-employment ventures must be viewed as viable options and supported as such.
We can run all kinds of businessesAnd how we will be developing people on the ground in these areas to be our interface and to sort through the people who could benefit from our wisdom and experience.
Purpose of EWD/Looking for place to fit our piece of the life puzzleOUT TARGET AUDIENCE ARE PPLIn business now but not making the most of it.Ready to startup but are facing a variety of obstacles.Thinking about it but are not yet skilled enough to progress their ideas.Not really yet aware that self employment could even be an option to them. It is beyond their wildest dreams!To achieve their potential they need encouragement, support and reliable information.
USINGSOCIAL MEDIA TO LAUNCHSetting up the linkedin site, wiki use, logotournament, website, blogNot always easy to talk to each other!Give us a call from wherever you are, we have friendly people waiting to help you!
After a successful launch at the US business leadership network conference in Chicago GNED is receiving more and more attention everyday on and off the Internet
Who we have heard from and what they want to do: Next stepsSOFT LAUNCH OF WEBSITE IN MID-JULYCOMING UP ON 2000 VISITORSNUMBEROUS DPO’S AND PPL WHO ARE WANT TO OR HAVE A BUS FROM:USA, CANADA, UK, WEST INDIES, SOUTH AFRICA, ZIMBABWE, PAKISTAN, BANGLADESH, INDIA, CHINA, PHILLIPINESTHEY DO OR WANNT TO DO JOB COACHING, HOME HEATH CARE BUSINESS, BUSINESS SERVICES, GRAPHIC DESIGN, BOOK BINDERY, CANDLE MAKING, POUTLRY FARM, COMPUTER REPAIR, DESIGN PROSTETHICS, HOME ACCESS MODIFICATIONS, MEDICAL ALERT/PERSONAL ALARMS, BOAT DESIGN, ADVENTURE TRAVELTHEY HAVE SPINAL CORD, BRAIN INJURY, AMPUTEES MENTAL HEALTH, POLIO, MS, CP, LD, BLIND/VIGNEWD plans to become a global resource of business owners and entrepreneurs with disability to which potential business owners with disability can turn at any stage of their business journey. It is a place to build community, dignity, and self-determination through a market place for disabled and non-disabled business people to connect and collaborate for mutual benefit. The Network is unique in being able to share our expertise, first hand experiences, provide case studies, and leverage contacts/connections to a worldwide audience. It provides realistic encouragement because we have confronted (and in some cases still are facing) the challenges and barriers of business start-ups and ongoing operation with a disability. We can and will help people explore what is possible and prepare others for their start-up journey on how to grow a business with one-on-one mentoring across the disability spectrum.