Starting A Business: Effective Tips For Parents With Disabilities

Gwen Payne on February 28, 2022

Managing parenting while living with a condition while launching your new business – it’s a lot for the best of us! But there are so many strategies out there to get your small business up and running while tending to your kids and taking care of yourself. Work-life balance is real – and the extra income you earn from business can go a long way in supporting both you and your family.

The U.S. Department of Labor writes that ‘entrepreneurship is a flexible route to economic independence for people with disabilities.’ How can you get started? Here are some tips, courtesy of E-City Beat.

Set Up a Business Account

Many entrepreneurs leave things like business structure and accounts to the last minute. However, it is prudent to set yourself up with a separate business bank account. This way, you’ll have your personal finances held separately from your business ones, which can reduce confusion when it comes to accounting or tax time. In addition, if you commingle funds, it could lead to losing liability protection when you’ve formed an LLC as a business entity for your startup. This will also cause you to be held personally liable for debts and lawsuits in the company name, so it is best to avoid mixing up finances.

Funding Opportunities

There are lots of grants and loans out there to help make entrepreneurship more accessible for disabled parents. Here are some of your main options:

If you’re looking for more options, check out this handy resource by the Disability Digest outlining how you can go about finding the perfect grant for your needs.

Set Up a Home Office

Over half of all small businesses are run from someone’s home. By working from home, you’ll be able to save on rent and work from the comfort of your own space. You’ll also be able to set up a space that is accessible to your needs – for example, with adequate turning space for a wheelchair or reduced decor stimulus if you’re neuro sensitive. And the best part? You’ll be close by to keep an eye on the kids and keep parenting going while you get your work done.

Hiring Candidates With Disabilities

According to this report by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 20% of workers in the U.S. are disabled. You’d be able to contribute effectively to your community while raising the confidence, skills, and self-esteem of other disabled employees. Not to mention, hiring skilled workers to get the job done well will be critical to your success.

The best way to find qualified candidates is to look up job boards and reach out. Be sure to prepare onboarding documents and arrange check-ins with your employee to ensure they’re settling into your workplace culture.

Marketing

Getting the word out about your small business will be crucial in its success. Don’t be shy to tell friends and family and anyone else who will listen about your new venture. Networking is a great way to market and gain opportunities like potential funding, interested talent, and more through the process.

Consider digital marketing strategies for your business too. Harnessing social media platforms and running advertising through PPC and SEO marketing can give you a significant leg up. Don’t forget to market your story, too – a disabled parent entrepreneur is a unique and compelling brand narrative you can take advantage of!

Running your small business is a great way to build a better future for you and your family. And it is a fulfilling and satisfying journey that is full of rewards – both material and emotional. Use these tips to get started on your dream business today!

How Parents of Special Needs Kids Can Lower Fatigue and Feel Better

Gwen Payne on February 2, 2022

Being the parent of a special needs child is rewarding but challenging. You may often feel wiped out at the end of the day with little time to address your own mental or physical health. The earlier you figure out how to take care of yourself, the better the outcomes will be for you and your child.

Evaluate Your Fatigue Level

Assess your fatigue level before drawing up a self-care plan. If you check one or more of these boxes, you have to commit to change, or you may find yourself experiencing burnout. Ask yourself the following questions.

  • Are you able to get good quality sleep and look after your body?
  • Do you have a network of people you can turn to when necessary?
  • Have you lost a sense of purpose or fulfillment beyond your role as a parent?

Cover the Basics

While serving as someone’s rock, don’t forget that you aren’t one. You’re a human being. You need at least six to eight hours of sleep and fuel in the form of a balanced diet. In your circumstances, this is easier said than done. But try to prepare nourishing meals while your child is at therapy or set a bedtime routine so you can sleep soundly while your kid does.

Moments of Joy

Put relaxation on your schedule to reduce stress. Socialize with people who lift your mood, get a massage or haircut, or take your child to the park if they’re amenable, and you can enjoy a walk while they play.

Amidst the struggles, it can be hard to recognize the small victories. Start a gratitude journal. Take five minutes and savor moments where your child made progress, your partner was there for you, or anything else you appreciated about your day or week. This practice has tremendous benefits.

Counseling and Support Groups

Parenting is difficult, period. Having a special needs kid can feel overwhelming. But, guess what? You’re not alone. 

  • Look for safe spaces on the internet. Talk to other parents in similar situations and share tips. 
  • Visit a therapist if possible. You can hash out feelings of shame or failure or take your significant other along for couple counseling.
  • Lean on your social support structures. You might not be able to go on vacation, but people who care about you will offer you a little respite at home. You can work out what wouldn’t classify as overburdening. For example, your neighbor who’s getting groceries anyway might be happy to get yours regularly too. If you have the financial means, hire the assistance you need. 

Personal Aspirations

For the sake of your long-term emotional well-being, your life has to be about more than just your child. Pursue hobbies that give you pleasure, or start a low-maintenance business. Work on getting further education. This goal is easier than ever with opportunities for self-paced distance learning online. 

You can combat exhaustion by eating and sleeping well, prioritizing breaks, and asking loved ones for help. Focusing on the things you can control maintains balance and positivity for you and your child.