You have a disability but don’t let it stop you.  You don’t think of it as a disability but rather as a “health issue”. Your disability is invisible (early stage MS, lupus, chronic fatigue syndrome, COPD, PTSD, chronic pain) or visible (stroke, accident, spina bifida, vision impaired, Parkinson’s, use a cane because of pain) and are looking for a “home” where someone understands firsthand. This is the place for you.

Disabilities can be visible or invisible but they disable us anyway. Most people only think of wheelchair users as disabled and indeed that is the picture used for handicapped parking – a wheelchair with a line through it.

When we have a disability we take it in our stride that it changes our day. I speak from personal experience and that’s why I use the word “we” here. (See my About Trudy page on this website.) Every morning when we wake up we know that our day will be filled with physical challenges. We may have trouble (meaning that we find a way to do it differently – we’re creative) getting dressed, going to the bathroom, or cooking and using the computer or phone. But we do it anyways. We accept that it’s the way our life is and we get on with living.

Why you should start a business

First, have you ever thought about how you have all the characteristics that an entrepreneur does? You have perseverance, courage, are a risk taker, are passionate, positive, accepting, flexible, creative, ask for what you need, don’t look for excuses, are thankful for what you CAN do, and DO have AND you live in the now.

The second reason is that being self employed offers what you need – flexibility. You have “bad days” when doing anything is difficult so you stay in bed or may even have to go to hospital. I had this stroke in 2005 and was in hospital and then a rehabilitation hospital for three months. The fact that I’m self employed meant that I could have a trusted associate complete the work that I was doing for clients and still have them as clients when I returned to doing what I offered.

But how and where do I start?

“I’ve never run my own business before.” I’ll help you. Talk with me.

Why choose me?

I’ve been self-employed since 1980 and had a stroke in 2005 caused by the rare blood condition I was diagnosed with in 1978 so I know first hand how to be an entrepreneur with a disability. I have learned how to balance work and rest (and being self employed allows that).

I co-owned and ran a “bricks and mortar” business (with staff) in Toronto from 1980 to 1989. An excellent communicator with strong self esteem I then spoke to and trained groups and individuals on how to start and run their own businesses for years before my stroke. (see my About Trudy page) And because of technology I’m able to do all of my work/ coaching in a slightly different way.

Now I do the same thing but in this venture I intend to speak – as a person with disabilities – to groups of  “disabled people” to teach them how to become self employed and to “non-disabled” people to inspire them on what they have and how to relate to and accept those with disabilities.

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Check me out on my About Trudy page.

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