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Self-Employment

Don't let your disability stop you from exploring your options, you can achieve your goals! Self-EmploymentThe act or fact of being self-employed. -OR- Earning
one's living in one's own business or through freelance
work, rather than as the employee of another.
 Glossary - Link opens in a new window is a possibility for individuals with a disability; this can cover working from home doing freelance to starting your own business.

If you need assistance in making the right choice for you, make sure you use legitimate and trusted information and organizations:
  • Illinois Department of Human Services has a Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) that assists people with disabilities. Their main focus is to help people with disabilities maintain their independence through employment, education, and independent living.
  • Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) have experts that help everyone, including small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs. They can assist you with developing a business plan, finding funding, applying for loans, develop marketing plans and much more. 
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SBDC_Logo (link opens in a new window)
Illinois Small Business Development Centers services are available to small business owners, entrepreneurs, and more. They are experts in starting a business and can assist with developing a business plan, financial planning, finding funds and loans, etc.


51 rates / 4.7 average.
DHS (link opens in a new window)
The Division of Rehabilitation Services assists people with disabilities in gaining employment, independence, education, and more,


10 rates / 4.4 average.
disabilityworks (link opens in a new window)
This PDF, Ready for Business Guide: Self-Employment for People with Disabilities, was created for people with disabilities who would like to start a business. It is a project of diabilityworks and was developed and written by Health & Disability Advocates.


5 rates / 4.0 average.
JAN (link opens in a new window)
Here is a listing of Entrepreneurship: State Economic Development and Funding Resources - Illinois from the Job Accommodation Network (JAN) website.


5 rates / 3.6 average.
SERN (link opens in a new window)
The Self-Employment Resource Network's (SERN) purpose is to promote the development of self-employment for those with a disability. They offer many programs to those with a disability, including a Business Mentor Program, First Friday Entrepreneur Teleconference/Webinars, archived webinars, and more.


3 rates / 3.0 average.

  • Statewide Interest
    Disabilityworks Website

    Click here External link opens in a new window to visit the disabilityworks website, dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities to find rewarding work experience and increase opportunities.



  • go to browsealoud page

    Having trouble reading the screen, or just feel like listening for awhile? You can use a free software called Browsealoud, available for download on this site Link opens in a new window, to have text on the screen read to you. Give it a try anytime.

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Illinois workNet Centers are an equal opportunity employer/program. At Illinois workNet Centers, auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. All voice telephone numbers on this website may be reached by persons using TTY/TDD equipment by calling TTY (800) 785-6055 or 711.