Entrepreneurs with Disabilities: Making a Difference in Society Through Social Entrepreneurship

Abstract

Social entrepreneurship as it relates to the persons with disabilities work force is an underexplored area. This chapter examines the connection between these two phenomena—disability and social entrepreneurship. A case analysis of two distinct businesses owned and operated by persons with disabilities was conducted as this is a relatively new trend with many unexplored directions. Findings demonstrate that persons with disabilities pursue entrepreneurship opportunities for many of the same reasons their neurotypical counterparts pursue self-employment (flexibility, accommodating workflows, control over one’s career trajectory, etc.). It appears that many entrepreneurs with disabilities also pursue forms of social entrepreneurship as a means to give back to their communities. In the cases examined in this particular chapter, two distinct businesses are formed due to a lack of occupational opportunities. And in each of these cases, a portion of profits earned is directly donated to support vocational training and employment coaching for persons with disabilities. This chapter seeks to explore these findings and the research underpinning social entrepreneurship and disability and to offer new directions for additional scholarship.