2024 Conference

Virtual Self-Employment Conference 2024:
Diverse Abilities, Infinite Ventures

Archive (Original Dates: September 18 & 19, 2024)

Register for the Free Archive  

Watch the archived conference and learn about innovative practices happening across the country that are facilitating access to self-employment for people with disabilities. Hear from rehabilitation professionals and VR customers about their experiences and the importance of supporting self-employment. Dive into empowering discussions and learn strategies to foster self-employment, business ownership, and telecommuting for individuals with disabilities.

This conference is designed for vocational rehabilitation counselors, administrators, and employment staff by the The National Center on Self-Employment, Business Ownership, and Telecommuting.

Agenda at a Glance

Day 1:  September 18th

Welcome

Beth Keeton, Project Director, National Center on Self-Employment, Business Ownership, and Telecommuting

Keynote

Dante Allen, Commissioner, Rehabilitation Services Administration

Using the VRC Self-Employment Proficiency Scale

Dr. Tim Riesen, Utah State University
Molly Sullivan, Griffin-Hammis Associates

Building the Agency's Self-Employment Services

Jamie Blondin, HireAbility Vermont
Hibbard Doe, HireAbility Vermont
Julie Taylor, Griffin-Hammis Associates

Success Story

Ismael De Luna, Healing Cuts SF
Marilyn Ridgeway, Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, CA Department of Rehabilitation

Day 2:  September 19th

Welcome

Building the Agency's Supported Self-Employment Services

Doug Crandall, Center for Leadership Development, University of Georgia
Sharon DeMille, DD Collaboration Coordinator, Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation
Christine Gudgin, Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities

Creating Self-Employment Tools for VRCs

Pennie Hartley, Oregon Vocational Rehabilitation

Families as Advocates

Jennifer Steffy
Joe Steffy
Shawn Rosier
Sonia Clark-Rosier

Success Story

Renee Metro, Fulcrum Stained Glass
Sue Babin, Project Director, RI Developmental Disabilities Council (RIDDC) Watch this video

Closing