Article Details

Article Details

Citation:  Avellone, L., Malouf, E., Taylor, J. P., & Whittenburg, H. (2023). An international scoping review of factors impacting self-employment outcomes for individuals with disabilities. Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, 59 (1), 7-24.
Title:  An international scoping review of factors impacting self-employment outcomes for individuals with disabilities
Authors:  Avellone, L., Malouf, E., Taylor, J. P., & Whittenburg, H.
Year:  2023
Journal/Publication:  Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation
Publisher:  IOS Press
DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3233/JVR-230024
Full text:  https://content.iospress.com/articles/journal-of-vocational-rehabil...   
Peer-reviewed?  Yes
NIDILRR-funded?  Yes

Structured abstract:

Background:  Self-employment is a flexible alternative to traditional workforce positions. Individuals with disabilities are self-employed at higher rates than individuals without disabilities, mainly because self-employment circumnavigates many of the commonly experienced barriers individuals with disabilities face when pursuing more typical employment situations. Still, little is known about factors that impact successful self-employment outcomes.
Purpose:  The purpose of this study was to identify factors that facilitate or hinder self-employment outcomes for individuals with cognitive and physical disabilities.
Data collection and analysis:  A scoping review of the empirical literature was conducted to examine individual/system level, programmatic, and key themes within lived experiences that affect self-employment outcomes.
Findings:  A total of 40 articles were included in the final sample representing both national and international research efforts. Findings indicated that a multitude of factors affect self-employment outcomes including demographics (e.g., gender, race, age, disability), social network, financial standing and work history, personal motivation, interagency collaboration, services provided (e.g., business plan development and mentorship), and barriers (e.g., lack of training and services).
Conclusions:  There are a number of known variables that promote self-employment outcomes. Implications for future research, policy and practice are discussed.

Disabilities served:  Cognitive / intellectual impairment
Severe physical disability
Interventions:  Self-employment
Outcomes:  Self-employment