Monday's a dog.

Alter-abled News

A unique program financed by a grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services helps low income alter-abled folks on public assistance become entrepeneurs. The program is based in Portland, Oregon and is called the Differently-Abled Business Association.

On Friday, a Portland group opens its doors aiming, in part, to fill the void of support for people making that transition.
In three years, director Kedma Ough hopes to have turned the Differently-Abled Business Association into a full-fledged chamber of commerce for entrepreneurs with disabilities.
The idea appears to be unprecedented, says Lucia Olivera, associate manager for access with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Washington, D.C. OregonLive Link

The Differently-Abled Business Association is a progressive approach to keeping the alter-abled active, employed, and independent.

The services provided by the Differently-Abled Business Association are available to self-employed individuals with disabilities. These include:• Business coaching: This program will offer support for clients through a mentor; • Counseling: Participants will receive one-on-one business support;• Business directory: Business services will be listed in a directory;• Library: Access to an Internet library for business and support resources will be available;• Quarterly newsletter: The newsletter will highlight participants and events in the community;• Computer lab: Access to a computer lab will be provided for participants; and• Web link: A Web page will be provided for up-to-date information on the community.In addition, the Differently-Abled Business Association is planning a “Virtual Internet Procurement Fair,” an interactive trade fair to explore bidding opportunities and provide interaction with government agencies.“The Differently-Abled Business Association is an exciting forward-thinking program, since it is the only trade association of its kind that provides the resources, support and education specifically for persons with disabilities,” said Kedma Ough, director of the Differently-Abled Business Association.For more information, call Jeannie, 503-998-9560, or e-mail her at Jeannie@ avitabiz.com. The Scanner Link