Self Employment Program

Many individuals with disabilities dream of owning their own business, and their dreams can become a reality with proper planning. The purpose of this information is to assist potential consumers to better understand the DOR process and our guidelines to become employed in a self-employment setting.

Self-Employment Setting

The concept of a "Self-Employment Setting" will allow the individual to choose a vocational goal/occupation such as graphic artist, barber, accountant, etc., as an employment outcome in a setting where the individual can work as self-employed instead of as an employee. An Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) will then be developed and implemented as soon as the vocational goal and the services necessary to assist the individual achieve that goal are identified.

• Must involve sole proprietorship and control and responsibility for decisions affecting the conduct of the business by the individual.

• Must enable the individual to meet ongoing living expenses and be intended to become a majority source of income for the individual.

• Must comply with relevant state, federal, and local laws and regulations (this eliminates illegal ventures).