State Policies

Idaho State Policies & Resources

Policies:

Idaho VR Policy Summary on Self-Employment:

The primary goal of the IDVR is to assist the customer in attaining a suitable competitive employment outcome that results in financial self-sufficiency. Self-Employment is one option that may be considered to assist the customer in selecting a vocational goal. The impediment created by the customer’s disability must be addressed in the overall comprehensive assessment leading up to Individualized Plan of Employment (IPE). The successful self-employment enterprise is operated by a participant who can demonstrate an array of skills and abilities, including; organization, business and financial management, marketing and other talents, as well as, knowledge and expertise in the goods or services being produced. These may be accomplished through natural supports or other resources and would need to be included in the self-employment plan. It is essential that the participant is well informed of potential risks and that efforts are made to minimize those risks. A vocational evaluation/career exploration may be used as a method of assisting the customer and VRC in deciding if self-employment is a possible viable option. Vocational evaluators have a variety of instruments, work samples, inventories and other strategies to use in providing feedback and information related to self-employment. 

There may be a need for VR services prior to a commitment from IDVR on a self-employment plan. It could be appropriate for IDVR to assist a customer in services, such as training needed for certain skills or business knowledge before the decision is made by the customer and VRC to pursue the development of a business plan. IDVR values appropriate self-employment as a viable vocational outcome. Self-employment is presented by the VRC within the repertoire of vocational options and may be considered by customers and VRCs as they work toward the development of an appropriate vocational goal. IDVR supports active, not passive or speculative, self-employment goals.Idaho Policy Manual

Website:

Idaho Policy Manual: https://vr.idaho.gov/wp-content/uploads/FSPM-2022-01-01-1.pdf

Idaho State Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired 

ICBVI Summary

ICBVI values self-employment as a viable vocational outcome. Self-employment is presented by the VRC within the repertoire of vocational options and may be considered by clients and counselors as they work toward the development of an appropriate vocational goal.  ICBVI supports active self-employment goals, which do not include hobbies, non-profit organizations, or speculative ventures.

Eligibility Requirements:

  • The business venture is, at a minimum, 51% owned, controlled, and managed by the client. For those in supported self-employment, some clients may require the assistance of a guardian or conservator in controlling or managing a business. 
  • Businesses must be organized as Sole Proprietorships, Corporations, General and Limited Partnerships, or Limited Liability Companies, and registered with the State. 
  • The business venture is considered legal in all jurisdictions in which it operates (Federal, Tribal, State and Local Governments). This includes business and other necessary licenses. 
  • The business venture is accurately reporting to appropriate government agencies, including the Internal Revenue Service and State taxing agency or other applicable State or local authorities. 
  • The business venture is organized as a for-profit entity. 

Financial requirements: 

In consideration of the business start-up capitalization noted in the Business Plan, financial participation by ICBVI and the participant for the entirety of the self-employment plan, per case is as follows:

Plan costs*Maximum ICBVI financial assistance
Under $2500100%
$2,501 - $5,00080% 
$5,001to $7,50070% 
$7,501 to $10,00060%
$10,001 and up50% 

Required Activities:

The following activities will be required for all self-employment goals. Each of these activities should be documented in the record of services:

  • Assessment of the client’s appropriateness for self-employment.
  • Training and technical assistance.
  • Development of a business plan.
  • Benefits Counseling (SSI / SSDI recipient).

Link to ICBVI website: https://icbvi.idaho.gov/

Link to ICBVI policy: https://icbvi.idaho.gov/plans/

Resources:

The following downloadable PDF contains statewide self-employment resources and links for people with disabilities.

Idaho Self-Employment Resources (PDF)

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