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Introduction

The Road to Self-Sufficiency: A Guide to Entrepreneurship for Youth with Disabilities was developed to serve as a resource for organizations working with youth on career exploration and employment options, and policymakers who support youth programs through policy and practice.  The Guide shows how entrepreneurship education can be implemented in programs and offers suggestions on how to introduce self-employment as an option  for all youth, including youth with disabilities.

The Guide presents an overview of entrepreneurship and describes why entrepreneurship education is relevant today.  It also examines entrepreneurship education programs and different activities that can be incorporated in those programs.  It also includes a detailed description on how the National Content Standards and the Guideposts for Success framework can drive entrepreneur programming. 

The Guideposts for Success, developed by the NCWD/Youth in collaboration with the U. S. Department of Labor’s (DOL’s) Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP), is a comprehensive framework that identifies what all youth, including youth with disabilities, need to succeed during the critical transition years to adulthood.  The organizational strategies provided in this Guide fall within each Guidepost.

Additionally, The Road to Self-Sufficiency: A Guide to Entrepreneurship for Youth with Disabilities identifies legislation that supports entrepreneurial activities for youth with disabilities.  It also describes the importance of accommodations in providing inclusive entrepreneurial programs.  And, it depicts the significance of financial planning and financial options for people with disabilities. 

A set of appendices with valuable resources and references is also included, as well as a useful Glossary of Terms.

Download The Complete Guide

Download the entire guide in PDF* (589 KB)
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*Please note: This is a large document, download time will be longer for users with slower connections.

Download Sections

Introduction, Acknowledgements, and Preface
View the introduction, acknowledgements and preface in PDF (136 KB)
View the introduction, acknowledgements and preface in Word (29 KB)

Chapter 1 Introduction: Background On Entrepreneurship
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View Chapter 1 in Word (48 KB)

Chapter 2 Entrepreneurship: Developing Successful Programs And Strategies
View Chapter 2 in PDF (236 KB)
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Chapter 3 Additional Considerations For Youth With Disabilities
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View Chapter 3 in Word (143 KB)

Appendix A Resource Section On Entrepreneurship And Small Business
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View Appendix A in Word (90 KB)

Appendix B References
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Appendix C Glossary Of Terms
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View Appendix C in Word (66 KB)

Order the Guide

NCWD/Youth publications can be downloaded for free from this website. Multiple copies can be purchased by contacting the Collaborative at contact@ncwd-youth.info.