Success StoryEntrepreneurship for those with disabilities



Entrepreneurship for those with disabilities

Author: Ronald Hustedde

Planning Unit: Community & Leadership Development

Major Program: Economic Development

Outcome: Initial Outcome

Almost 15% of  rural Americans have a permanent or temporary disability.   One of out of every 4 veterans is disabled.   While entrepreneurship is on the rise,  there is relatively scant research about the opportunities for people with disabilities in rural areas to become civic or business entrepreneurs.  Ron Hustedde, an Extension specialist, conducted research in this area and published a chapter in the 2018 book, Disability and Vocational Rehabilitation in Rural Settings.  The chapter makes a strong case for integrating entrepreneurship into vocational rehabilitation programs with practical examples.