OVR plugs self-employment for persons with disabilities

Recognizing the need to promote self-employment to improve the working ability of individuals with disabilities, the Office of the Vocational Rehabilitation yesterday held a workshop for service providers.

With over 30 participants from various government and private agencies, the concerted efforts of advocating agencies tackled various issues that include entrepreneurial opportunities for persons with disabilities.

OVR Director Felicitas Abraham invited facilitator Dave Hammis of University of Montana. Under the Griffin-Hammis Associates, the presenter works to create communities of economic cooperation to improve community capacity and economic well-being of individuals with disabilities.

The Self-employment Workshop for Service providers held at the Aqua Resort Club was focused on self-employment options and technical assistance for persons with disabilities.

The workshop was designed to increase the knowledge and professional skills of local service providers assisting persons with disabilities who seek self-employment and entrepreneurial options.

The participants learned about Micro Enterprise, Workers’ Cooperatives as self-employment options and other possible funding sources for individuals with disabilities.

Mr. Hammis carefully tackled aspects of establishing a self-employment and disability framework which include alternative employment, networking with community expertise, hiring, training, developing and retaining of entrepreneurial staff.

“We need to believe that all of the options in the business world are possible for people with disabilities. The employment arena is not a finite resource, although the human services perspective has ascribed this characteristic to it,” said Mr. Hammis.

Based on the status report from the Blue Ribbon Panel on Self-Employment, Small Business, and Disability, there is a need to compile a comprehensive list of resource materials related to effective small business planning practices to be accessed conveniently by persons with disabilities.

The report further said that after eight years, almost 80 percent of small businesses are still in operation contrary to earlier claims that small-scale businesses are likely to close shop after five years.

Since 1995, of the $15.8 trillion receipts from various businesses, a total of 47 percent came from small businesses.

In another development, the Coalition of Disability Organizations commended efforts by Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio to uplift the conditions of persons with disabilities in the Northern Marianas.

The governor, along with a string of other individuals advocating persons with disabilities, was presented a plaque of appreciation during a special luncheon Tuesday at the Aqua Resort Club.

Also lauded for their contributions to the activities held during the month of March, the CNMI Recognition Month for Persons with Disabilities, were Speaker Benigno Fitial and the House of Representatives Leadership. Receiving that certificate of appreciation on behalf of the House of Representatives were Alejo Mendiola, Vice-Speaker; Oscar Babauta, Floor Leader; and Antonio Camacho Chairman, House Ways and Means Committee.

There were also individual certificates of appreciation for Oscar Babauta and Malua Peters, Chair House Health and Welfare Committee for their individual contributions. (EGA)