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Abstract
This article examines the experiences and perceptions of Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) in the delivery of self-employment services to people with disabilities. SBDC services have been found to improve self-employment outcomes for minorities, veterans, and women. Similar outcome variables are not available for people with disabilities. Findings are presented based on an exploratory survey distributed to over half of all SBDC programs across the United States. Respondents that had more experience serving people with disabilities or had more accessible program accommodations reported higher rates of people with disabilities being served in SBDC training and other services, higher referral rates between the SBDCs and state Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) agencies, and more internal resources to serve people with disabilities. The data indicate that SBDC programs could enhance services for people with disabilities by (1) extending accessible accommodations to include augmented communication devices and alternative formats; (2) building internal capacity through interagency linkages with Vocational Rehabilitation; and (3) modifying participant tracking measures to include people with disabilities.
Key words: Disability, self-employment, micro-enterprise, Vocational Rehabilitation
Self-employment provides a viable employment alternative in a climate of increased competition for scarce jobs and depressed wages (Garten, 1999). In fact, self-employment is one of the fastest growing trends in the economy, up 25% between 1979 and 1997 (Manser & Picot, 1999). Self-employment opportunities, however, have not reached all segments of the population equally (Reynolds & White, 1997). The economically disadvantaged, including women, minorities, and people with disabilities, have not experienced similar self-employment earnings or success rates as the general business population (Chrisman & Carsrud, 1991).
Several predictors of successful self-employment outcomes are compromised for the economically disadvantaged. These predictors include access to education, capital, and business resources (Bygrave & Timmons, 1992; Clark & Kays, 1995; Adams, Lacho, & Cusak, 1995; Pratt, 2000; Chrisman & Carsrud, 1991).
Minority populations, including people with disabilities, experience significantly lower education rates than the general population. The most recent U.S. Census figures indicate that 67% of non-institutionalized people with disabilities aged 18 to 34 have completed high school as opposed to 79% for the general population. Resources to access business capital are also compromised for the economically disadvantaged. It is well documented that women, minorities and people with disabilities experience lower incomes, higher...