Self employment

Working for yourself can give you independence and control. It also brings specific challenges. Use the links below to learn more about self-employment as a career option for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Maryland: Collaborating to Promote Self-Employment for People with IDD

Self-employment has emerged as a viable option for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD). To meet increased self-employment demands, Maryland's Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA), in collaboration with the Maryland Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS), adapted services offered through the Reach Independence through Self Employment (RISE) program. The RISE program, funded by DORS, provides technical assistance and financial support to people starting their own businesses.

Lending Works from Progressive Employment Concepts: Helping Business Owners Find Start-Up Capital

Progressive Employment Concepts (PEC), a community rehabilitation provider with several locations in northern California, was founded in 1995 to support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to find employment in their communities. PEC currently supports 90 people in individual jobs. A core belief at PEC is that everyone it serves is job- ready and can work in competitive employment in their communities.

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