Starting a small business has many benefits, including setting your own hours and being your own boss. But it can be a lot of work, and for people who are new to business ownership, the demands in the beginning can be overwhelming. When you’re living with a disability, you have the added pressure of finding a business that will accommodate you and your needs, which isn’t always easy.

There’s a lot to unpack, but you can start by getting organized. Make lists of things you need to accomplish to meet your goals, people who can help you along the way, and ideas on the best type of business for you. Do some research to find out what type of business your community is lacking, and if there’s one similar to what you’re interested in, find out what their business model is, what sort of hours they keep, who their customer base is, and what sort of social media presence they have.

After that, it’s time to get to work! Here are a few tips on how to get started.

What type of business is right for you?

There are several factors that go into deciding on a business. If you have limited mobility, you might consider a job that would allow you to work from home. This could open up several paths that involve activities you enjoy doing, meaning you could turn your hobby into a career. Many people have done this in recent years, and with the introduction of websites such as Etsy, you can run your company from the comfort of your own home with limited assistance.

Make out a business plan

This is one of the trickier aspects of becoming an entrepreneur, because it involves looking into the future. You’ll need to do some homework in order to figure out what type of growth you can expect in the market and create a financial plan. If you need funding for your business, you’ll have to consider looking for investors or securing a loan.  

It’s important to take your current financial status into consideration. Remember that you may not make a profit for several months (or even years) after you start your business due to startup costs, so you’ll need to have some savings to help get you through this time. In addition, depending on the nature of your disability, you may qualify for grants.

Think outside the box

You don’t have to start your own business to become an entrepreneur; working for yourself comes in all shapes and sizes. For instance, many real estate agents are self-employed contractors, meaning they set their own hours and only take the jobs they want. It’s the kind of job that would allow you to stay social, allow you to help others, and give you financial security without the need for a big investment.

Get support

Becoming self-employed is a big jump, and it requires quite a bit of discipline and help from your friends and loved ones. Garner support once you know what it is you want to do, and talk to the people in your life about how they can assist you in meeting your goals. They might help with research, or they may be able to get you started with a web presence.

Starting a business often comes with a lot of frustration, regardless of your physical ability. The best way to get on track and stay the course is to have a solid plan as well as the support of your loved ones.

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When you live with a disability, you experience every day how the world is not made for your ease. Things others take for granted–getting around in a city, going to a restaurant, shopping for clothes–take a little more effort on your part. This truth is not diminished when you decide to relocate.

There are many reasons why people move. You may want a new and bigger home, or perhaps you’ve received a job opportunity too good to pass up. Then again, there may be a reason beyond the normal expectations–maybe you just feel like it!

Whatever the rationale behind this major life change, you are going to need help. Below are a few of the things people living with a disability should consider before moving.

Money, Money, Money

There’s never really enough of it, is there? If you are moving for a job that will pay for relocation expenses, consider yourself lucky. For the rest, you are going to need to either save or find financial assistance to fund relocating.

• Consider downloading an app that helps facilitate savings. Companies like Acorns, Digit, Qapital, and Chime all automate your savings based on your financial goals and the capital you have.

• Cut down on the items you plan on moving. The cost of a bigger truck and the gas it takes to move it might be more than what it costs to just buy a new couch, table, or other replaceable furniture.

• Americans living with disabilities can apply for financial aid for relocating through organizations like the Association of University Centers on Disabilities, National Institute on Life Planning with Disabilities, and ADAPT. All you have to do to apply is calculate the total costs of moving before applying for a grant.

Healthcare and Relocating

One of the most difficult things you have to do when you relocate is rebuild your entire network of healthcare providers. As a person living with a disability, it’s important that you begin this process before you move. Talk to your current physicians about your decision, and ask if they have recommendations in your new area. If not, tap into your inner Sherlock Holmes and do some internet research to find reviews and data that can help inform your decision. Remember: just because you go to one appointment doesn’t mean you have to stick with a physician. You can schedule a meet-and-greet appointment when you get there to get a sense of their practice style and ask questions before you decide to go with that particular doctor. You are your most important advocate for your health, after all.

The Moving Process

The actual day of moving can be a nightmare for anyone. If you are limited in mobility, the feeling of helplessness can make it worse. Your best bet is to find a moving and packing company that has experience working with people with disabilities. Ask your friends, neighbors, and healthcare professionals for recommendations. You can also use the internet to find companies with good reviews and price comparisons. The best moving companies will arrive on time, pack with care, load in an organized manner, and communicate with you throughout the entire moving process.

Living with a disability means you have to put in a little more effort to do things everyone else does. Moving is no different. Your relocating costs may be a little more, but with savings and disability grants for moving, you can make it work. Begin research on finding new healthcare professionals before you actually move. Talk to your current doctor about recommendations and transferring files. Finally, find a reputable moving company that has experience working with people with limited mobility. The best companies are going to be reliable and communicative throughout the process.

mage from Pixabay