AAWARE Directory

AAWARE

Approach Autism with Advocacy, Recovery & Education

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AAWARE Directory of Sustainable Works of Differently Abled Families

to help support the community of differently abled Vermonters and their families...

Economic times are tough for all Vermonters but even the best of times are challenging for people with disabilities and parents.

Finding and keeping employment for a differently abled adult can be a frustrating and heartbreaking experience. Lack of job supports and early graduation leaves many without the skills to cope and succeed in a regular work environment. For some differently-abled adults, self-employment provides the opportunity to gain independence and a sense of accomplishment.

For parents, a 9 to 5 job may not provide the flexibility needed to cope with the demands of parenting a young or grown child with special needs. Day care may not be accessible due to the significant needs of their children and help from underpaid Personal Care Attendants can be inconsistent at best. For some families, self-employment offers a way to lessen the economic gap in a two income society.

For some, self employment is the best option...

The Directory will list small businesses owned by either adults with disabilities or parents of children with disabilities.

The goal of the Directory is to:

*provide awareness for economic challenges faced by parents and individuals with disabilities

*promote independence & networking opportunities

*provide an opportunity for bartering

* help support the community of differently abled Vermonters and their families

This is a pilot project. If it generates enough interest, the directory of businesses will be available on our website in late May and (hopefully) a print version available for distribution. We will begin with parent/guardians then with adults with disabilities.

The concept of creating this directory came from autism parents who recognized and lived the challenges described above. We hope that in time the directory becomes a useful tool and helps spread awareness.

Would you like to join the Directory?

(1) You must be a parent/guardian of a child on an IEP or of an adult child previously on an IEP *

(2) You must own a small business as a sole proprietor or as a family business.

(3) Your business must be registered with the state of Vermont unless it is new business/start-up.

(4) You complete the online application.

If all of the above apply, please click HERE for directory application.

http://survey.constantcontact.com/survey/a07e2h8l4pxfs0kwj8g/start

Joining the directory is free but sign-up must be done online (AAWARE does not have paid staff).

Deadline for the print date is Friday, May 22nd.

*The pilot will be for parents/guardians only to start. A notice will be sent via our newsletter when we have a form ready for adults with disabilities.

AAWARE retains the right to reject a listing, remove a listing or change the criteria to join at any time.