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)
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.
Evaluating Your Idea Before It’s Too Late (The Job-To-Be-Done Way)
How do you know if you’re onto something? And how do you assess its viability before investing time, resources, and energy? Enter the Job-To-Be-Done (JTBD) framework—a powerful methodology for understanding customer needs and designing solutions that resonate.
In this practical session, we dive deep into the approach. You will walk away with the practical toolset and skillset required to ensure you’re on the right track before making significant investments.
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 and Captioning were provided. If you have questions about this session, please email info@disabilitysmallbusiness.org.
Cultural Competency with DC Mayor’s Office of Deaf, DeafBlind & Hard of Hearing
This training focuses on Deaf, DeafBlind, Deaf Disabled, Hard of Hearing and Late Deafened (D/DB/DD/HH/LD) communities and cultures. Participants will learn best practices and accessibility considerations when engaging with D/DB/DD/HH/LD individuals who “live, work and play” in DC. Participants will take away best practices to improve accessibility within their organization, activities and events.
Deputy Director Karen Quinones and Chief of Staff Kisha Gore will be presenting the Cultural Competency Training as part of MODDHH’s vision to enhance the quality of life for all residents with genuine inclusion that makes communications accessibility an ingrained part of living, working, and playing in DC. Our work centers Universal Design as part of technological advancement and increase community awareness both inside and outside of Deaf, DeafBlind, Deaf Disabled, Hard of Hearing, and Late Deafened communities.
Watch the Zoom Recording (with shared screen and gallery view)
Watch the Webinar on YouTube (with corrected captions)
View and download the PowerPoint Slides
View the “What is Language Deprivation” video shared during 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.
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.
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.
GHA Training: Blending Funding for Self-Employment
This session will provide viewers with an example of a business owner who used several funding streams and resources to launch their business. The example will include details about the business owner’s experience, including lessons learned, as well as provide a brief explanation of each funding source. The session will include featured guests comprised of the business owner and other key team members.
Presented by Griffin-Hammis Associates
Guest Speakers:
- Rachel of Rachel Rasnick Art
- Michael of Red, White & Brew and Budding Violet
Watch the Zoom Recording (with shared screen and gallery view)
Watch the Webinar on YouTube (with corrected captions)
View the slides from Rachel Rasnick and Michael Coyne
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.
GHA Training Series: Reporting Business Activity for SSI/Medicaid
This session will explain the timing and process for reporting the start of a business and ongoing business activity for SSI and Medicaid. This session will also explain how Social Security adjusts the SSI benefit based on projected net earnings from self-employment and reconciles the benefit payments after the business tax return is completed.
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.
GHA Training Series: Starting Small with My Big Goals
This session explains how entrepreneurs can get their businesses going with little to no capital by starting small with products, launches, and partnerships. Featured guests will share their methods of business growth that allowed them to work slowly and steadily towards their big goals. Guests will speak on how they created community awareness and excitement around their business with little-to-no overhead costs.
Presented by: Griffin-Hammis Associates
Guest Speakers: Daman Wandke of Wandke Consulting and Victor Ocando of Adapt The Game
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.
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.
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.
GHA Training Series: Net Earnings from Self-Employment and SSI/Medicaid
This session will explain how net earnings from self-employment (NESE) affects SSI, and how an SSI beneficiary can have more income when self-employed. When explaining the effect of NESE on SSI, this session will provide a brief explanation of the SSI work incentives. This session will also provide a general explanation of the affect NESE has on Medicaid.
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.
GHA Training Series: Building Your Team
Building an effective team is critical for success with any self-employment venture, whether the potential business owner has a disability or not. This session will provide viewers with a map of the common self-employment team members supporting people with disabilities, and tips for finding those resources in different cities and towns. Featured guests will share their experience in assembling and leading a team made up of professional and personal connections that made their businesses possible.
Presented by: Griffin Hammis Associates
Guest Speakers:
- Andrea of Puppy Luv Dog Boutique
- Lorraine of Becoming rentABLE
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 Heart Captioning. 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 Awareness and Sensitivity Series: Session 11- The Integrated Resource Team Approach
As a wrap up to the Disability Sensitivity series, this session covered how systems and organizations can come together to create an informal, customer-centered partnership between an individual entrepreneur with a disability and diverse service systems. Its goal is to coordinate services and leverage funding to give the entrepreneur comprehensive, wrap-around services tailored to their unique needs and business goals.
ASL interpretation and live captioning (CART) was provided during the session. If you have any accessibility requests or questions, please email ajones@ndi-inc.org.
Disability Awareness and Sensitivity Series: Session 10- Creating Accessible PDF’s
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.
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.
Disability Awareness and Sensitivity Series: Session 5 Blind and Low Vision
This session will cover the definitions of blindness and low vision, share some common myths, and include the lived experience of Shawn Calloway, President, National Federation of the Blind of Washington, DC, Radio Show Host of “Open Our Eyes”, Motivational Speaker, and Disability Advocate.