New report from TU Dublin offers key recommendations for enhancing eco-system or supports for persons with disabilities in entrepreneurship.
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A new report published by Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin) has highlighted key policy interventions and recommendations for developing an eco-system of supports for persons with disabilities in self-employment or aspiring to run their own business. ‘Navigating the Pathway to Entrepreneurship for Persons with Disabilities: Insights from an Irish Context’ was researched and written by Professor Thomas Cooney (Professor of Entrepreneurship at TU Dublin), Martina Brophy (Senior Research Assistant at TU Dublin) and Ahsan Habib (PhD Scholar at TU Dublin).
The report notes that 22% of the Irish population has a disability and that Ireland has the lowest rate of employment in Europe for persons with disabilities, yet self-employment as a career option is not promoted or supported by government or its agencies. A series of key potential policy interventions were identified in the report, which include accessible financing programmes, inclusive education and training, accessible business development services, procurement policies and supplier diversity programmes and tax incentives and regulatory relief. A series of recommendations were identified for policymakers, government agencies and other relevant stakeholders. These recommendations include a call for greater visibility of entrepreneurs with disabilities, the establishment of a central hub of information on self-employment for persons with disabilities, and a clear bridge back to benefits and allowances should the business not prove sustainable.
The report also details examples of international good practices such as Czech Republic’s classification of self-employment as a secondary activity so that benefits, allowances and pensions are not affected by self-employment earnings. In addition, France’s special legal business status for Entrepreneurs with Disabilities, dedicated funding schemes found in Bulgaria and Canada, and a procurement scheme supporting entrepreneurs with disabilities in the US were also identified for consideration.
Furthermore, the report presents key findings from the Entrepreneurship for People with Disabilities Programme run by TU Dublin, sponsored by AIB and supported by the Open Doors Initiative. This research found that persons with disabilities in Ireland may encounter structural barriers to entrepreneurship, including the hidden costs associated with running a business, the welfare trap, and the difficulties with securing financial supports and grants.
The report was launched at ‘Empowering Our Future’, a conference focused on the challenges faced by people with disabilities seeking employment and self-employment which was co-hosted by The Lord Mayor of Dublin, Dublin City Council and TU Dublin. Keynote speakers included James Casserly of Jimbo’s Accessible Adventures, who has cerebral palsy and juvenile arthritis himself. James shared his experiences of travelling across the country and tips to make travelling more accessible in the process. Senator Tom Clonan also contributed to the conversation by addressing the need to move from Victorian views of disability to a broader perspective that gives recognition to people with disabilities and their contribution in the society.
The Lord Mayor of Dublin, Daithí de Róiste expressed his support and enthusiasm for the conference's probable impact on making Dublin an inclusive city. He stated,
Access to equal opportunities is the right of every individual and this event reflects our commitment to making it happen for the people of this city. I look forward to seeing the after-effects of our discussions today and the resulting changes
The panel discussions on supporting self-employment and supporting employment were the highlight of the day. Professor Thomas Cooney of TU Dublin led the panel on self-employment, with a focus on the steps that need to be implemented in order to help people start their own business despite the challenges. Professor Cooney emphasised,
The implementation of supportive measures as a community is crucial in igniting the entrepreneurial spirit. The forthcoming national disability strategy needs to include references to self-employment, and tailored supports are also needed to encourage people with disabilities to start their own business
Download Navigating the Pathway to Entrepreneurship for Persons with Disabilities.