Calling all Disability Lead Members and Fellows: Are you an entrepreneur and own your own business? Founder of a non-profit or social enterprise? Do you have an emerging business idea that just launched?
If so, we want to hear from you!
Disability Lead just announced a new award to recognize an outstanding Disability Lead Member who exemplifies excellence in entrepreneurial leadership.
Members are invited to submit a brief application for consideration between now and January 11, 2021. The awarded individual will be selected based on criteria that embodies strong entrepreneurial leadership traits including, embracing critical questioning, innovation, and continuous improvement in their line of business, and exemplifies a commitment to disability inclusion.
This year, Disability Lead established the award with support from its Member and board director John Tuhey, principal at The Tuhey Law Firm in honor of his mentor,Michael W. Ferro Jr.. Mr. Tuhey wanted to recognize Ferro’s commitment to the advancement of people with disabilities, particularly in the area of entrepreneurial leadership. This award recognizes a Member of Disability Lead who is an entrepreneur and is building a business, nonprofit or social enterprise that makes a positive impact on their community.
The recipient of our Excellence in Entrepreneurial Leadership Award Established In Honor of Michael W. Ferro Jr. will receive a grant toward attendance at a conference or training related to business, their industry, or another form of professional development essential to business development. They will also have access to other entrepreneurial leaders and mentors at companies like Microsoft, 1871 and SPR.
The Chicago region is home to more than 800,000 people with disabilities — and counting; yet, their unemployment rate is twice that of their peers without disabilities. Systemic barriers such as lack of transportation access, lack of employer knowledge about how to provide specific accommodations at the job location, and stigma around disability lead to such disparities. So, when you consider the hurdles that people with disabilities face when securing competitive employment, starting one’s own business makes good sense.
A recent study conducted by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research revealed that four out of ten people with disabilities who are self-employed said they chose the entrepreneurial route because they “needed to create their own job.” A similar number also said they had chosen self-employment with its flexible hours and working conditions “to accommodate a disability.”
The ability to be your own boss, create your own ideal work environment, and be fulfilled in your job makes entrepreneurship an attractive career path for people with disabilities. In fact, nearly 20% of Disability Lead Members are entrepreneurs, using their skills and expertise to anticipate needs and bring good new ideas to market.
For questions please contact Alex Perez-Garcia.