Additional Resources
Empower Your Business with ABLE
Entrepreneurs and small business owners with disabilities face unique financial challenges and ABLE accounts can be a game-changer. This session will explore how ABLE accounts support business owners in 2025 and beyond, helping you maximize financial security while maintaining essential benefits.
If ABLE isn’t yet a part of your business strategy, now is the time to learn how it can enhance both your financial future and your employees’ success.
Topics Include:
- ABLE account eligibility
- ABLE Plan features
- Contributions & the ABLE to Work provision
- Work-Related Qualified Disability Expenses
- How ABLE can serve as a financial resource for employees
ASL Interpretation and Captioning were provided. If you have questions about this session, please email info@disabilitysmallbusiness.org.
Watch on YouTube (coming soon!)
View and download the PowerPoint Slides
The contents of webinar were developed under grant H421F240198 from the U.S. Department of Education (Department). The Department does not mandate or prescribe practices, models, or other activities described or discussed in this document. The contents of this webinar may contain examples of, adaptations of, and links to resources created and maintained by another public or private organization. The Department does not control or guarantee the accuracy, relevance, timeliness, or completeness of this outside information. The content of this webinar does not necessarily represent the policy of the Department. This publication is not intended to represent the views or policy of or be an endorsement of any views expressed or materials provided by any Federal agency. (EDGAR 75.620)
Small Business Innovation Research/ Technology Transfer (SBIR/STTR) Masterclass
Presented By: Kimberly Mozingo, Vice President, Federal Programs, TEDCO
Accessing research and development funds to enable future growth and commercialization can be extremely challenging. A potential option is obtaining funding through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. This informative session provides an overview of these federal programs, including eligibility criteria, application processes and the benefits of securing SBIR/STTR funding. Learn how to leverage these programs to drive innovation and growth in your small business.
ASL Interpretation and Captioning will be provided. To make a reasonable accommodation request or if you have questions about this session, please email Alexis Jones at ajones@ndi-inc.org. Please allow at least 3-5 business days’ advance notice; last minute requests will be accepted, but may not be possible to fulfill.
ASL Interpretation and Captioning were provided. If you have questions about this session, please email info@disabilitysmallbusiness.org.
View and download the PowerPoint Slides
The contents of webinar were developed under grant H421F240198 from the U.S. Department of Education (Department). The Department does not mandate or prescribe practices, models, or other activities described or discussed in this document. The contents of this webinar may contain examples of, adaptations of, and links to resources created and maintained by another public or private organization. The Department does not control or guarantee the accuracy, relevance, timeliness, or completeness of this outside information. The content of this webinar does not necessarily represent the policy of the Department. This publication is not intended to represent the views or policy of or be an endorsement of any views expressed or materials provided by any Federal agency. (EDGAR 75.620)
Ambition to Achievement: Goal Setting That Works
Ambition is great, but ambition without feasibility is failure in disguise. Around this time of year, you’re setting goals for your business—brainstorming, whiteboarding, and daring to dream big. But without the right structure, capabilities, and systems, those goals risk remaining just that—dreams.
So, what does it take to translate ambition into actual impact? What does it take to turn bold goals into real success?
It takes an integrated set of choices, capabilities, and support systems—in other words, it takes an engine to drive your goals forward.
The Business Goal Engine (BGE) is a powerful framework of six interconnected, interdependent elements designed to move you from ambition to achievement.
Join us for the Ambition to Achievement Masterclass, where you’ll learn how to:
- Turn bold ambitions into feasible, actionable goals.
- Build the systems and capabilities needed to bring strategy to life.
- Align dreams, tactics, and techniques, for real and sustained progress
This isn’t just about dreaming big—it’s about winning smart. Whether you’re planning for 2025 or the decade ahead, this masterclass will provide the clarity and tools you need to turn ambition into achievement and vision into real, lasting impact.
ASL Interpretation and Captioning were provided. If you have questions about this session, please email info@disabilitysmallbusiness.org.
Watch the Zoom Recording (with shared screen and gallery view)
Watch the Webinar on YouTube (with corrected captions)
View and download the PowerPoint Slides
The contents of webinar were developed under grant H421F240198 from the U.S. Department of Education (Department). The Department does not mandate or prescribe practices, models, or other activities described or discussed in this document. The contents of this webinar may contain examples of, adaptations of, and links to resources created and maintained by another public or private organization. The Department does not control or guarantee the accuracy, relevance, timeliness, or completeness of this outside information. The content of this webinar does not necessarily represent the policy of the Department. This publication is not intended to represent the views or policy of or be an endorsement of any views expressed or materials provided by any Federal agency. (EDGAR 75.620)
Gallaudet Innovation and Entrepreneurship Institute Student BisonTank
This competition offers students and alumni an opportunity to build on their creativity and entrepreneurial spirit.
Gallaudet Innovation and Entrepreneurship Institute (GIEI) annually host BisonTank Business Competition. This competition offers students and alumni an opportunity to build on their creativity and entrepreneurial spirit as well as the mindset required to be successful Changemakers. As well, it offers students the opportunity to explore ways to give back to the community through their innovative ideas.
Eligibility:
1. There is no fee for entry.
2. A proposal may be submitted by an individual or as a teams up to 2 members.
3. Each individual and/or team may submit only one proposal for consideration.
4. All participants, including those submitting as a team, must be currently enrolled as a degree seeking student at Gallaudet University.
4. Students who are currently on academic or disciplinary probation are not eligible to participate.
5.. The deadline to submit a proposal is February 2, 2025 at 11:59 pm eastern. The University reserves the right to determine whether any proposals submitted after the deadline will be accepted.
Proposal Requirements:
1. Proposals must be in the idea or conceptual phase. No existing start-ups will be considered.
2. Proposals must be the original work of the participants and must not infringe upon another party’s intellectual property rights.
3. Proposals containing racial slurs, sexist remarks, profanity or other inappropriate or unethical content will be disqualified.
4. Proposals must not violate any applicable federal and DC state laws.
If you are interested in applying , please submit your application here by Sunday, February 2, 11:59PM EST.
2Gether International Annual Gala
Join 2Gether International for a night of celebration & unity at the 2GI Annual Gala to connect with inspiring disabled founders & entrepreneurs!
Get ready for a night of fun, food and festivities as we come together to celebrate another amazing year. Join us on Thursday, Dec 05 2024 at 6:30 pm, at 3400 Georgia Ave NW for an unforgettable evening. Dress to impress and get ready to mingle with fellow supporters and friends. Don’t miss out on this exciting event – mark your calendars now!
Yes, You Can Work! Maximizing Income Through Competitive Employment
Join us for an informative webinar where we’ll discuss competitive employment opportunities for SSI/SSDI applicants and beneficiaries.
Our panel of experts includes representatives from Cornell University’s Yang-Tan Institute on Employment and Disability and National Disability Institute, who will provide an overview of employment supports, opportunities and benefits planning services available to individuals with disabilities.
You’ll hear from a SSI/SSDI Outreach Access and Recovery (SOAR) provider who will share their approach to discussing competitive work with SOAR-assisted SSI/SSDI applicants and collaborating with vocational rehabilitation programs. We will also be joined by an SSI/SSDI beneficiary who will share their personal experience working with a SOAR Specialist and Vocational Rehabilitation to successfully access SSA benefits and obtain employment. Tools and resources developed by the SOAR TA Center will be discussed and shared.
Access the webinar materials and recording
Please note: ASL Interpretation and Captioning was be provided during the live event.
Please submit your questions or comments to: soar@prainc.com.
Making Space for Disabled Creatives
This webinar introduced attendees to Making Space, an accessible talent acquisition and learning platform that enhances quality employment opportunities for Disabled people. Participants will explore creative career pathways available through Making Space, and discover success stories stemming from their partnerships, including the recent collaboration with NBCUniversal. This session is ideal for Disabled people aiming for careers in creative fields, HR professionals focused on fostering inclusive employment, educators in creative and technical disciplines, and advocates for disability rights and workplace inclusion. The session will be hosted by founder & CEO, Keely Cat-Wells.
Watch the Zoom Recording (with shared screen and gallery view)
Watch the Webinar on YouTube (with corrected captions)
View and download the PowerPoint Slides
ASL Interpretation was provided by Interpreter Now and Captioning was provided by Caption First. If you have questions about this session, please email Alexis Jones at ajones@ndi-inc.org.
Disability Owned Convening
National Disability Institute’s Small Business Hub held its third annual Disability Owned Convening on November 20-21, 2024. This unparalleled virtual event brought together entrepreneurs and small business owners with disabilities, entrepreneurial support organizations, policymakers, financial institutions and disability advocates from across the country.
Whether you’re an established small business owner or just starting out, this convening offers invaluable opportunities to gain actionable advice, expand your network and hear from successful entrepreneurs sharing their knowledge and insights. Sessions will cover a wide range of topics including pathways to financial resources, technology tools and business organization and marketing, allowing you to create a personalized learning experience.
What participants have said about the Disability Owned Convening…
“I had no idea there were so many people who experience disabilities, some fairly significant and closer to mine, who were business owners! Thank you, guys, for putting that on! It left me wanting more.”
“I’ll be honest, I couldn’t stop listening! Excellent resources and speakers!”
“I was extremely intimidated about starting a business with the intense health challenges I have been facing… After watching the sessions, my hope was rekindled that I too can succeed as a small business person.”
“Great information. Many of us have ideas for a small business, but most of the time they stay just ideas. We don’t always know all the things that need to be considered before starting a business, which is why many of us fail or don’t start at all. This really focused on the important aspects and great strategies.”
Subscribe to the newsletter to stay informed about registration, speakers and more details!
Visit the website archive to watch recordings from the last three years.
The contents of webinar were developed under grant H421F240198 from the U.S. Department of Education (Department). The Department does not mandate or prescribe practices, models, or other activities described or discussed in this document. The contents of this webinar may contain examples of, adaptations of, and links to resources created and maintained by another public or private organization. The Department does not control or guarantee the accuracy, relevance, timeliness, or completeness of this outside information. The content of this webinar does not necessarily represent the policy of the Department. This publication is not intended to represent the views or policy of or be an endorsement of any views expressed or materials provided by any Federal agency. (EDGAR 75.620)
EARN Small Business Webinar Series: Local and State Disability Inclusion Incentives and Resources for Small Businesses
01:00 PM – 02:00 PM Eastern
Did you know that many local and state governments provide incentives and resources to small businesses to meet their workforce needs with talent with disabilities? These incentives and resources help the business hire and retain workers with disabilities. Local and state governments offer various supports, such as tax incentives or reimbursement for the cost of workplace accommodations. Many small businesses can benefit from these – and similar support may exist in your area.
In this webinar, learn about innovative state and local programs that help small businesses tap into a talented and diverse workforce and promote inclusivity with minimal cost. Experts from Minnesota’s Employer Reasonable Accommodation Fund and the City of Tacoma, Washington Department of Finance will offer participants the reasons to and guidance on developing and implementing such a program. The benefits of these programs will also be discussed.
During this webinar, participants will learn more about:
- A local program providing tax incentives for supporting small businesses to meet their workforce needs with talent with disabilities
- A state government-funded program that provides financial assistance to employers to cover accommodations for disabled employees
- Ways to build mutually beneficial relationships between small business, community organizations, and state and local governments
ASL and real-time captioning will be provided.
Please reach out to EARN if you have any questions about this event at: earn@askearn.org.
National Symposium on Quality Employment 2024
Hosted by the Vocational Rehabilitation Technical Assistance Center for Quality Employment
Registration is Now Open!
When: May 22 and 23, 2024
Location: Grainger Hall, 975 University Avenue
Madison, Wisconsin or Virtually on Zoom
Cost: Free, registration required.
CRCs: Certified Rehabilitation Counselors (in-person and attending virtually) can earn a total of 15 CRC CEUs, of which nine will qualify for ethics credits
Join us in Person or Virtually!
If you have an accommodations request or a dietary restriction, please register by 3/30/24.
Beyond Our Disabilities – Celebrating Black Disabled Entrepreneurs
“Beyond our Disabilities – Celebrating Black Disabled Entrepreneurs” is an empowering event dedicated to showcasing the tenacity and innovation of Black entrepreneurs with disabilities. This event, in collaboration with National Disability Institute (NDI) and Financial Joy School, offers the inspirational stories of determination and success from founders who have triumphantly navigated a variety of challenges. The event will be hosted by the charismatic Ruby SunShine Taylor and feature a panel of outstanding entrepreneurs, including Mariah Barber from Invisible Strengths, Dr. Samantha Scott of JuneBrain and Stephanie Thomas of Cur8able.com. Join us for an afternoon of celebration, insights and appreciation for these extraordinary individuals who have turned obstacles into opportunities for growth and achievement
Watch the Zoom Recording (with shared screen and gallery view)
Watch the Webinar on YouTube (with corrected captions)
View and Download the PowerPoint Slides
ASL Interpretation was provided by Interpreter Now and Captioning was provided by Caption First. If you have questions about this session, please email Alexis Jones at ajones@ndi-inc.org.
Self-Employed and Self-Determined: Using Supported Decision-Making In Practice Webinar
Presented by: Jonathan Martinis, Senior Director for Law and Policy, Burton Blatt Institute at Syracuse University
This session focused on using Supported Decision-Making strategies to access and benefit from the supports and services available from various resources.
We’ll focus on best practices to empower and enable people with disabilities to maximize their employment and earning potential, including achieving self-employment. Topics will include using SDM to access needed resources and will include a panel of entrepreneurs with disabilities who have used SDM to start their businesses.
Watch the Zoom Recording (with shared screen and gallery view)
Watch the Webinar on YouTube (with corrected captions)
View and Download the PowerPoint Slides
ASL Interpretation was provided by Interpreter Now and Captioning was provided by Caption First. If you have questions about this session, please email Alexis Jones at ajones@ndi-inc.org.
Self-Employed and Self-Determined: Introduction to Supported Decision-Making Webinar
Presented by: Jonathan Martinis, Senior Director for Law and Policy, Burton Blatt Institute at Syracuse University
Study after study has shown that when people with disabilities have more control over their life and make more decisions for themselves – when they have more self-determination – they have better lives. People with disabilities who are more self-determined are more likely to live independently, work, be integrated into their communities, and avoid abuse.
Unfortunately, people with disabilities are often ordered into guardianships that are unnecessary or too restrictive. This can limit their quality of life and opportunity to work — including in self-employment — and live independently. After all, if you were a bank, would you lend someone money to start or fund a business if they had not legal right to make financial decisions?
This session will introduce the audience to the theory and practice of Supported Decision-Making (SDM). When people with disabilities use SDM, they work with friends, family, and professionals so they can understand their choices and make their own decisions. As a result, SDM can help people be self-determined, have better work and life outcomes, and avoid unnecessary guardianship!
Watch the Zoom Recording (with shared screen and gallery view)
Watch the Webinar on YouTube (with corrected captions)
ASL Interpretation was provided by Interpreter Now and Captioning was provided by Caption First. If you have questions about this session, please email Alexis Jones at ajones@ndi-inc.org.
Is Owning a Business a Good Fit for You?
Completing this class is an important step towards deciding whether you should start a business. After completing this class, you will be able to:
- Clarify some of the myths and realities of small business ownership.
- Start a self-assessment to determine your readiness to become a small business owner.
- Set a plan of action to complete your self-assessments by seeking feedback from stakeholders, such as family, friends, and potential customers.
- Have exclusive access to grant opportunities and professional consulting and mentorship 1:1.
- Learn more about various business resources and program opportunities.
Register here: https://startup2023.eventbrite.com
Sign up for Verizon Small Business Digital Ready.
To make a reasonable accommodation request or if you have questions about this event, please email Ruth Chavez at rchavez@ndi-inc.org. Please allow at least 3-5 business days’ advance notice; last minute requests will be accepted though may not be possible to fulfill.
Is Owning a Business a Good Fit for You?
Completing this class is an important step towards deciding whether you should start a business. After completing this class, you will be able to:
- Clarify some of the myths and realities of small business ownership.
- Start a self-assessment to determine your readiness to become a small business owner.
- Set a plan of action to complete your self-assessments by seeking feedback from stakeholders, such as family, friends, and potential customers.
- Have exclusive access to grant opportunities and professional consulting and mentorship 1:1.
- Learn more about various business resources and program opportunities.
Register here: https://startup2023.eventbrite.com
To make a reasonable accommodation request or if you have questions about this event, please email Ruth Chavez at rchavez@ndi-inc.org. Please allow at least 3-5 business days’ advance notice; last minute requests will be accepted though may not be possible to fulfill.
Creating Accessible Emails
Email is a vital communication tool, so it’s important to avoid accessibility barriers that might prevent someone from viewing or understanding a message. Research shows that when an email is accessible, people are more likely to read it. Learn how to make your emails more accessible for all your clients, customers, donors, etc.
Presented by: Results One LLC
Watch the Zoom Recording (with shared screen and gallery view)
Watch the Webinar on YouTube (with corrected captions)
View and Download the PowerPoint slides
ASL Interpretation was provided by Interpreter Now and Captioning was provided by Caption First. If you have questions about this session, please email Alexis Jones at ajones@ndi-inc.org.
Guardianship and Self-Employment Listening Session
We held a listening session to learn how guardianship or supported decision making (SDM) can facilitate or be a barrier to self-employment for people with disabilities. We invited people with disabilities and their parents who have started down the path of self-employment and have a guardian/SDM. We were interested in hearing about your experiences.
ASL Interpretation and Captioning were provided. If you have questions about this session, please email Alexis Jones at ajones@ndi-inc.org.
This event was not be recorded for public viewing.
Creating Accessible PDFs
PDF document accessibility plays a vital role in the overall accessibility of your website. To provide an equal experience for all users, regardless of disability, you must develop all digital content with accessibility in mind.
Presented by Results One LLC
Watch the Zoom Recording (with shared screen and gallery view)
Watch the Webinar on YouTube (with corrected captions)
ASL Interpretation was provided by Interpreter Now and Captioning was provided by Caption First. If you have questions about this session, please email Alexis Jones at ajones@ndi-inc.org.
Social Media Accessibility
The content you deliver via social media should be accessible. However, social media platforms don’t always make it easy to add alternative text or consider other disabilities like Deaf and Hard of Hearing, visual impairment or loss, distractions, etc. In this workshop, you will learn tips to make your social media content as compliant as possible so everyone can participate.
Presented by Results One LLC
Watch the Zoom Recording (with shared screen and gallery view)
Watch the Webinar on YouTube (with corrected captions)
View and Download the Presentation
ASL Interpretation was provided by Interpreter Now and Captioning was provided by Caption First. If you have questions about this session, please email Alexis Jones at ajones@ndi-inc.org.
Creating Accessible Content for Content Creators
What does accessible content mean, and why is it important to your customers and employees? The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines are a set of principles intended for content and web creators to ensure that all people, including those with disabilities, can view, interact, and share information. This course will teach you how to create accessible content.
Presented by Results One LLC
Watch the Zoom Recording (with shared screen and gallery view)
Watch the Webinar on YouTube (with corrected captions)
ASL Interpretation was provided by Interpreter Now and Captioning was provided by Caption First. If you have questions about this session, please email Alexis Jones at ajones@ndi-inc.org.
Deafhood Training Part 3: Communicating Effectively
Presented by: Gallaudet Innovation and Entrepreneurship Institute
The Dos and Don’ts of including Deaf and hard of hearing people in your meetings on Zoom and in-person meetings. Tips and strategies to maximize communication effectiveness in meetings so that everyone feels included — not left behind.
Watch the Zoom Recording (with shared screen and gallery view)
Watch the Webinar on YouTube (with corrected captions)
ASL Interpretation was provided by Interpreter Now, Captions were automatically generated by Zoom. If you have questions about this session, please email Alexis Jones at ajones@ndi-inc.org.
Deafhood Training Part 2: Understanding Language Translation
Presented by: Gallaudet Innovation and Entrepreneurship Institute
Further dive into Deafhood with the lens of language translation through more than one modality. This session provides an understanding of how language translation impacts small business training for Deaf and hard-of-hearing people. Providing an American Sign Language interpreter is often inadequate, especially from the training perspective — we will explore why along with the recommended solutions.
Watch the Zoom Recording (with shared screen and gallery view)
Watch the Webinar on YouTube (with corrected captions)
ASL Interpretation was provided by Interpreter Now, Captions were automatically generated by Zoom. If you have questions about this session, please email Alexis Jones at ajones@ndi-inc.org.
Disability-Sensitivity Session 1: Introduction to Disability Inclusion
At the end of the session, you will be able to:
• Identify different types of disabilities as defined by the ADA, including hidden disabilities;
• Share appropriate responses to people with disabilities;
• Use person-centered approaches
• Debunk some common myths about people with disabilities
• Identify specific, actionable tips for treating people with disabilities respectfully
Disability-Sensitivity Session 8: Creating Accessible Content for Content Creators: The Basics
What does accessible content mean, and why is it important to your customers and employees? The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines are a set of principles intended for content and web creators to ensure that all people, including those with disabilities, can view, interact, and share information. This course will teach you how to create accessible content.
ASL interpretation and live captioning (CART) were provided during the session. If you have any accessibility requests or questions, please email ajones@ndi-inc.org.