The Telework Program was introduced as part of the President's New Freedom Initiative (NFI). Congress appropriated $20 million for the Telework Program. Under the special demonstrations authority in the Rehabilitation Act, the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) used these funds for grants to states to establish Access to Telework Funds (ATFs).

ATFs provide loans so individuals with disabilities can obtain computers and other equipment to work as employees or contractors or to become self-employed on a full-time or part-time basis. Telework includes work from home or from other remote sites away from the office, such as work on the road or at a Telework center.

Challenges to the Telework programs

In the winter of 2006, the RESNA Alternative Financing Technical Assistance Program conducted a series of three focus groups with state Access to Telework financial loan programs to find out how the Telework programs were working within states, and to identify and share successes, challenges, and barriers to providing Telework loans. Several common obstacles were identified by many programs impeding the success of the Telework loan programs:

1. Lack of awareness and understanding on what constitutes "Telework". Questions from employers, individuals, and agencies on what Telework is and how it can help people with disabilities, including between the Telework programs themselves.

2. Lack of employment training and previous work experience- ranging from self-employment training to making successful transitions from traditional employment settings to telecommuting.

3. Need for employers to see Telework as a reasonable accommodation. However, this also raises questions of whether it is then the employer's responsibility to provide equipment; should Vocational Rehabilitation cover expenses; and if either the employer or Vocational Rehabilitation agencies guarantee the loan, who owns the equipment and who is ultimately responsible for the loan?

4. Lack of coordination between services and service providers

Microenterprise Organizations

While not a solution to all the challenges faced by Telework programs, one key connection that needs to be made (and has been in a couple of programs) is with the microenterprise organizations across the country.

On May 16-19th, over 700 people are expected to attend the Association for Enterprise Opportunity's Annual Conference "Microenterprise Development: From Dreams to Reality" in Atlanta, GA. For more information, visit the Microenterprise website. This is an excellent opportunity to learn about microenterprise organizations and develop mutually beneficial relationships that ultimately will result in better service to people with disabilities. If attending the AEO Conference, be sure not to miss:

A Market of Millions - Presented by Patti Lind and Jason Oglesby, The Abilities Fund
Wednesday, May 17, 10:15 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
This workshop is designed to give microenterprise development organizations an introduction to the potential of extending services to entrepreneurs with disabilities. Learn how your organization can build a relationship with your local Vocational Rehabilitation system to become a training and technical assistance provider to its clients.

Expanding Individual Development Account (IDA) Opportunities to Include People with Disabilities - Presented by Patti Lind, The Abilities Fund, and Megan O'Neil, World Institute on Disability
Thursday, May 18, 10:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
America's largest minority population represents an untapped market for Individual Development Account programs. As IDA programs provide an opportunity for low-income populations to receive matched savings for education, home ownership or business capitalization, including individuals with disabilities is a logical step in scaling up for program growth. Learn tangible strategies for including people with disabilities as eligible participants in existing and new IDA programs. Examples of successful outreach efforts will also be highlighted.

Designing Microenterprise Development Programs for Entrepreneurs with Disabilities - Presented by Marjorie Schulman and Angel Garcia, Brooklyn Economic Development Corporation
Friday May 19, 10:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
This workshop will examine best practices and lessons learned in providing microenterprise training, technical assistance, and funding opportunities to individuals with disabilities. Come discuss how to reach entrepreneurs with disabilities, how to accommodate these clients, and how BEDC gained New York City and State funding to support its programs for clients with disabilities.

What is AEO (Association of Enterprise Opportunity)?

The Association for Enterprise Opportunity (AEO) is the national membership association of organizations committed to microenterprise development. AEO provides its members with a forum, information and a voice to promote enterprise opportunity for individuals and communities with limited access to economic resources.

What is a Microenterprise?

AEO and the microenterprise development industry have defined a microenterprise as a business with five or less employees, which requires $35,000 or less in start up capital, and which does not have access to the traditional commercial banking sector.

What services do Microenterprise Organizations provide?

AEO members generally provide entrepreneurs with training and technical assistance, microloans, access to market services and training, and/or economic literacy and asset development services.

How do I find programs near me?

You can locate all the microenterprise organizations in your state or province here
http://www.microenterpriseworks.org/nearyou/bystate.asp