Self-Employment Courses
The Center offers the following online courses, all free of charge, on topics related to self-employment, business ownership, and telecommuting:
Orientation to Self-Employment and Telecommuting for Rehabilitation Counseling Students
This four-module curriculum developed for rehabilitation counseling programs offers students an overview of self-employment and telecommuting options, the benefits of using these approaches, and steps rehabilitation counselors can take to support people with disabilities to pursue these employment outcomes. Rehabilitation educators can add this four-hour curriculum to a rehabilitation counseling class as a structured learning component.
Anyone interested in building a basic understanding of self-employment and telecommuting options for people with disabilities will benefit from completing this course as well.
Self-Employment through the VR Lens
This seven-module series guides Vocational Rehabilitation counselors through the steps to support self-employment, from intake/eligibility through case closure. Modules 1 and 2 introduce self-employment, highlight its potential benefits and opportunities, and explain the steps to become self-employed. Modules 3-7 follow the VR service delivery model, addressing self-employment considerations at every stage (e.g., intake and eligibility, IPE development, etc.). Designed specifically for VR professionals, the series explores the VRC's roles and responsibilities when supporting self-employment candidates and provides practical information, tools, and examples.
Counselors are encouraged to complete all seven modules in the series but have the option to complete the ones they need the most.
Core Self-Employment Concepts
This six-module series empowers Vocational Rehabilitation counselors with the knowledge and tools to effectively support VR customers in each step of the self-employment process. The series begins with a module on strategies for exploring the possibility of self-employment. The remaining five modules cover the five steps of self-employment: Business Concept Development, Business Feasibility, Business Planning, Business Launch, and Maintain the Business. Designed specifically for VR professionals, this series will build your confidence in working with individuals pursuing self-employment and provide practical information, tools, and examples.
Counselors are encouraged to complete all six modules in the series but have the option to complete the ones they need the most.
Business Financials Training Series
For many vocational rehabilitation counselors, the financial aspects of self-employment can feel overwhelming or confusing. This four-module series provides VRCs with a foundational understanding of key financial topics to ensure a VRC can identify critical details on financial statements to promote success. The first module in the series explains business owner earnings, the second module covers the basics of Profit and Loss statements, the third module covers Cash Flow statements, and the fourth module shows VRCs how to use financial statements to support a VR customer in achieving self-employment.
Counselors are encouraged to complete all four modules but have the option to complete one or the other.
Telecommuting Training Series
This series provides Vocational Rehabilitation counselors with the information and tools to effectively support VR customers in exploring and pursuing telework. The first module in this series covers the basics in telecommuting, including what it is, how it has evolved, typical telework tasks, and the benefits and challenges that can come with this unique employment arrangement. The second module explores how Vocational Rehabilitation counselors can support telework, including strategies for helping a VR customer decide if telework is a good fit and the type of supports that are needed for success.
Counselors are encouraged to complete both modules but have the option to complete one or the other.
Business Feasibility Training Series
Business feasibility is a critical step on the path to self-employment. In the Core Self-Employment Concepts Series, Module 3: Business Feasibility provides an overview of business feasibility. We encourage you to complete that module before completing the modules in this series.
The modules in this series explain how you can support a VR customer in completing the business feasibility process. Module 1 will show how you and the VR customer can use business feasibility to determine if the business concept goal is a good fit for them. Module 2 will show you how you and the VR customer can use business feasibility to determine if the business concept is likely to succeed. Module 3 pulls it together by walking you through a business feasibility case study.
Counselors are encouraged to complete all the modules but have the option to complete the one they need the most.
Self-Employment – Deeper Dive Training Series
These modules provide vocational rehabilitation counselors with information about topics that often come up when supporting a VR customer with self-employment. Topics currently covered in the series include the basics of business structures, the effect of self-employment on Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and the effect of self-employment on Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).
Counselors are encouraged to complete all the modules but have the option to complete the one they need the most.