Step Two: Developing Supports and Accommodations
As Mikela Aussem said in the introduction to this manual, when you have a Traumatic Brain Injury, “it’s your entire life that is flipped upside down. Memory and organization are missing.” Creating tools (check lists, color coding items, recorded reminders, notebooks for keeping track of information, etc.) that replace organizational and memory structure that the person is missing are the primary support individuals will need. Some experimentation may be necessary to determine what works for each person with a brain injury. And these supports may need to be in place for an extended period.
One reason self-employment works for people with brain injuries is because it allows them to work full-time or part-time at their business, providing the scheduling flexibility necessary to accommodate their disability. Self-employment also allows people more time than conventional employment to achieve success, because the business owner is her own boss.
Many people benefit from a business design team, selected by the person, that helps sculpt the supports and accommodations the individual may need. These teams vary in membership, but typically include an employment specialist, a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, a resource coordinator, family members, and various consultants such as Small Business Development Center (SBDC) staff, and personnel skilled in benefits analysis.
Training for prospective business owners can also be critical. This includes training to refine a skill required for the production of goods and services in the business, such as attaining a welding certificate, or earning a Chef’s diploma. Training also includes attending classes in business ownership, many of which are available at no cost or low cost through local SBDCs. Folks who do not read or write might also benefit from such classes because they provide networking opportunities; a chance to meet potential suppliers, customers, and mentors. Professional staff can also attend and benefit.
The following exercise will help determine the kinds of supports the business owner will need
Personal Businesss Skills & Supports Inventory
Instructions: Consider the list of general business skills below. If you feel you can perform this skill with little or no help, move to the next skill. If you need some support to understand or perform this skill, list the types of support you need, and list the person(s) or systems that might help.
Business Skill:
- Bookkeeping
- I know this
- I need these
- Supports who might help
- Managing Inventory/Ordering Supplies
- I know this
- I need these
- Supports who might help
- Making the Product
- I know this
- I need these
- Supports who might help
- Delivering the Product
- I know this
- I need these
- Supports who might help
- Recordkeeping
- I know this
- I need these
- Supports who might help
- Sales
- I know this
- I need these
- Supports who might help
- Marketing/Promotion
- I know this
- I need these
- Supports who might help
- Following the Work Schedule
- I know this
- I need these
- Supports who might help
- Managing Cash & Checks
- I know this
- I need these
- Supports who might help
- Managing Personnel
- I know this
- I need these
- Supports who might help
- Other:
- I know this
- I need these
- Supports who might help
- Other:
- I know this
- I need these
- Supports who might help
- Other:
- I know this
- I need these
- Supports who might help