Abilities FIRST

Abilities FIRST is a new coaching program to support persons with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD) to create a microenterprise or self-employment opportunity. Many people define themselves by their job, but only 19% of persons with disabilities are employed as reported by the US Dept. of Labor. Microenterprises are emerging as an employment option for people with IDD, including those who have the highest support needs. While some microenterprises have been created for persons with disabilities, they are usually limited to persons with parents who have the business ideas and the ability to support the idea financially and the person with the day to day tasks.

Abilities FIRST will assist persons with IDD to create and run their own business to be viable without relying solely on the parent or one person such as a direct support person by helping the person or team create the following components:

1. Business Plan created including a Work Plan with daily tasks and matrix for measuring success.
2. Support finding sources for startup funding.
3. Tools or resources to support the microenterprise owners.