My journey to successful self-employment

Self-Advocate Independence-have lived in my own apartment since 2000 Athletics-competed in Special Olympics tennis in Ireland in2003 Public Speaking-People First representative to England and Scotland in 2005 Musician-piano and guitar Church Ministry-lector, communion distributor, choir member

Child Day Care Centers-paid and volunteer posititions Dr. Kates Nursing Home-volunteered to give water to residents Our Lady Queen of the Universe Catholic Church- volunteered as an aid in religious education classes Benjamins Green House-volunteered to work with flowers Indian Shores Campground-volunteered as a cleaning assistant

McDonalds-cleaning Howard Young Health Care-cleaning, stocking, patient transport Performance Foods-cleaning, bagging, customer service

Vocational Evaluation-sheltered workshop recommended Supported Employment-job coaches, employer based natural supports

Volunteer position at Howard Young Health Care with the help of a friend I advocated for myself and got a paid job in Central Stores and Medical Records I transferred into a job doing document shredding

The hospital decided to hire an outside agency to do their shredding Transferred from the hospital to the nursing home laundry folding residents clothes

Hired by the Waters of Minocqua-vacuuming, dusting, putting away breakfast items, working in the wedding tent Hired by the Town of Minocqua-cleaning, filing, shredding with job coaching and natural supports

Not much work at the nursing home job Just a few hours per week at each job Some co-workers seemed uncomfortable working with me

There was a fire in my parents empty bait shop Bait shop was renovated to be my shredding business Social Security back payment provided some money that I could use to start my business Preliminary work-find out if local businesses might be willing to hire someone like me to do their shredding

Assembled a core team Developed a PASS plan (Plan to Achieve Self- Support) for Social Security Created a Business Plan Created a Marketing Plan

Purchased equipment Undertook building improvements Business signs

Created Letterhead and business cards Developed Letter of Introduction Developed an informational brochure Made personal marketing visits Mailed brochures to businesses Got letters of recommendation

Joined Minocqua Area Chamber of Commerce My business is listed on the Chamber web-site I have an ad in my churchs weekly bulletin (readership of households per week) Business listing on the Liturgical Publications web site

Document pick-up Recycling drop-off Transport to businesses requesting on-site document destruction

All documents are destroyed as quickly as possible Some customers prefer to stay during the destruction process Document destruction at business locations, when requested Cost of disposal of shredded materials built into rates

Appointments for drop-in customers Confirmation when job complete End of the month billing $10 per hour

Met with a Benefits Specialist to discuss how self-employment would affect my Social Security benefits Continue to receive Medicaid through 1619(b)

My mom taught my how to use the shredder Mom and I attended a person-centered integrated employment training at Nicolet College Mom coordinates the book-keeping and ongoing marketing Possible future employees

Disposal of shredded materials Liability Insurance Utilities Advertising Chamber of Commerce membership Supplies (bags, oil, pressurized air)

My mom is my primary support person at this time. Mom will retire (again) some day: Will hire an accounting service Setting up a long-term support team

I truly enjoy owning my own business I set my own hours I have met many wonderful people

I always try to have a positive attitude I try to follow my dreams I like to stay busy and excited Practice my faith by treating others fairly, being kind, honest and friendly I view my syndrome as ups rather than downs I stay involved and active in my community

Stay positive Find someone to support you