Step One: Finding the Dream
Many people with TBI have the talent and desire to return to work after their injury. In our experience working with people with TBI in four states, we have found that most feel that they cannot reenter the workplace as a typical employee working full time. The typical working environment may not accommodate their disability or their employment goal. Because of their disability, some people become goal-driven and regular employment may not satisfy their personal sense of accomplishment. Selfemployment is the option for these individuals.
Ultimately, only the individual can determine his employment dream. This is especially true for people with TBI, whose personal sense of success motivates their actions. That person defines what success is, not the vocational system developed to support people with disabilities. Consequently, when helping someone with TBI develop her own business, follow her dream. Her personal goals will drive, or derail, the self-employment process. Never underestimate the power of choice and self-determination in determining success.
The resources to accomplish an individual’s employment dream rest within in that individual. To uncover the factors that will shape the business idea and result in the person’s success, use one of the many “person centered planning” techniques. These will reveal interests, experience and resources available to help with the design and implementation of the small business.
Another tool is the following exercise. It helps uncover the psychological and emotional reasons why a person wants to start a business and the experience, skills, and supports the will create success.
Self-Employment Attributes Review
- Reasons why I want to start a business:
- The type(s) of businesses I am thinking about starting:
- I have this experience/skills in this type of business:
- I have the following business skills that will help me in this business (bookkeeping, sales, etc.)
- I have the following family and friends who own or work in businesses and they will help me:
- How each can help:
- I have these interests and hobbies that will help me with my business:
- I have the following financial resources to help me start and/or expand my business:
A. Social Security/SSI/PASS Plan
B. Vocational Rehabilitation:
C. Workforce Investment/Department of Labor:
D. Grants:
E. Loans:
F. Savings/Cash/Trust:
G. Wages:
H. Other:
Total Available: $ - I have these questions about starting my business: