Why Americans with Disabilities Should Consider Entrepreneurship During Economic Upheaval
Economic downturns affect people with disabilities more severely than the general workforce. When companies cut costs, workers with disabilities often face disproportionate layoffs, hiring freezes, and workplace barriers that make it even harder to re-enter the job market. Then, if they are fortunate enough to find a new job, they must go through the entire expense and emotional upheaval of the relocation process. The harsh reality is that traditional employment is rarely designed with accessibility and flexibility in mind.
Probably the most famous entrepreneur in the world is Richard Branson. He has often said that dyslexia played a direct role in pushing him toward entrepreneurship. Traditional schooling didn’t work for him; reading and writing were constant challenges, and he dropped out of school at 16. Branson’s difficulty processing written information pushed him to rely on intuition, creativity, and verbal communication. These are skills that turned out to be business strengths. Instead of following a conventional path, he created his own, founding Virgin Records and later expanding into airlines, telecom, and space travel. Branson’s success wasn’t in spite of dyslexia, but often because of the resourcefulness and risk tolerance dyslexia helped him build.
Instead of waiting for employers to become more inclusive, many people with disabilities turn to entrepreneurship to earn an income, achieve independence, and have control over their work environments. However, while self-employment offers numerous benefits, it also entails risk. Before getting started, it’s essential to consider the pros and cons.
Pros of Entrepreneurship for People with Disabilities
Flexible Work Schedules: One of the most significant advantages of being self-employed is the ability to set a schedule that accommodates your specific health and accessibility needs. Determining when and how you work can mean the difference between thriving and burning out for individuals with fluctuating conditions, chronic pain, or fatigue. While part-time jobs are becoming more difficult to find, part-time is always an option if you are setting your own schedule.
Control Over Your Work Environment: Traditional workplaces often have physical accessibility issues, even when they are legally required. Running your own business allows you to establish a work environment that suits your needs. You won’t have to worry about inaccessible office spaces, sensory overload, or micromanaging bosses who don’t understand your condition.
No Employer Discrimination: Despite protections under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), employment discrimination remains a reality. This is especially true in the Trump administration, which has made it clear that inclusion and accessibility are not part of its agenda, and they have no intention of enforcing disabled employees’ rights under either the ADA or the EEOC. Entrepreneurship eliminates the need to “prove” your worth to an employer and enables you to work without barriers, such as biased hiring processes or limited career advancement opportunities.
Make it a Side Gig: Traditional jobs typically restrict income potential to one paycheck, while entrepreneurship presents the opportunity to create multiple revenue streams. This can involve freelancing, consulting, selling products, creating digital content, or earning passive income from online businesses.
Better Mental Health & Work-Life Balance: Many disabled entrepreneurs report lower stress levels because they are no longer forced to conform to rigid corporate structures. The ability to set boundaries, take breaks when needed, and avoid toxic workplaces contributes to a healthier work-life balance.
Cons of Entrepreneurship for People with Disabilities
Lack of Steady Income: Building a business requires a significant amount of time. Income can be unpredictable, especially in the initial years. This uncertainty can be especially challenging for those who rely on a consistent income to cover medical expenses, assistive technology, or caregiving support.
Loss of Workplace and Government Benefits: Transitioning away from traditional employment often results in the loss of employer-sponsored health insurance, paid leave, and retirement benefits. While some government programs, such as Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), permit limited earnings, exceeding certain thresholds may result in a loss of benefits, including Section 8 housing subsidies.
Upfront Costs and Funding Challenges: Starting a business often requires upfront capital for equipment, marketing, licenses, and professional services. Many traditional funding sources discriminate against disabled entrepreneurs, whether through bias in loan approvals or inaccessible application processes. Sources for help include:
U.S. Department of Labor ODEP (get this one quick, I wouldn’t be surprised if it disappeared)
Entrepreneur.com Funding Resources for Disabled Entrepreneurs —
Administrative Logistics: From taxes and legal structures to marketing and client management, running a business demands skills beyond your core work. Many disabled entrepreneurs are forced to teach themselves these skills if they can’t afford outside subject matter experts. This can be overwhelming, especially when balancing health-related challenges. Finding a mentor may help you slog through some of these challenges. Try to find a mentor who lives in your state, as filings and requirements vary from state to state.
Overwork Risk: Entrepreneurs often put in longer hours than traditional employees, especially during the initial stages. Without a structured work environment, it is easy to push oneself too hard and exceed physical or mental limits. Burnout is a significant threat, especially for those managing chronic conditions.
How to Set Yourself Up for Success as a Disabled Entrepreneur
Start Small & Test Ideas: Consider freelancing or consulting before launching a full-time business. Use platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, or Etsy to gauge the market. Focus on low-cost business models that don’t require significant upfront investment.
Leverage Disability-Focused Business Resources: Grants & Funding: Explore programs like The National Disability Institute (NDI), the AbilityOne Program, and Kiva disability-friendly loans.
Mentorship & Training: Organizations like Disability:IN and SCORE provide business guidance tailored to entrepreneurs with disabilities. Look for legal clinics at law schools, which may help you set up a formal corporation or deal with filing taxes.
Tax Incentives: Businesses owned by disabled individuals may qualify for tax breaks or deductions on assistive technology, workspace accommodations, and transportation.
Balance Work & Health: Set realistic work hours to prevent burnout. Automate tasks and utilize disability-friendly productivity tools, such as speech-to-text software and ergonomic workstations, to enhance productivity. Be aware of your rights regarding disability benefits and the caps on self-employment income.
Final Thoughts
Entrepreneurship may not be the right fit for everyone. Still, for many people with disabilities, it offers a route to financial independence, workplace accessibility, and meaningful work that traditional jobs often fail to provide.
That said, it’s essential to approach this path with a plan. If you’re considering self-employment, you must establish a safety net, leverage disability-friendly business resources, and set up a work structure that prioritizes financial and personal well-being.