Entrepreneurship and self-employment for people with disabilities

Abstract

Disability impacts a large number of people and affects a wide range of socioeconomic outcomes, including labour market participation. Towards supporting the active participation of people with disabilities in society and the economy, this paper aims to explore the role of disability entrepreneurship and self-employment. There is some international evidence that targeted inclusive entrepreneurship initiatives such as training and support programmes can be effective to assist disabled people to participate in self-employment activities. This study is the first to examine this phenomenon in Australia. We explore self-employment activity among disabled people, theoretical underpinnings, provide benefits and challenges of entrepreneurship for people with disabilities, and propose policy recommendations. Overall, this relatively unexplored issue of national priority requires additional empirical research, enabling policy, and decision makers to make informed decisions to enhance labour market participation through entrepreneurship and self-employment.