CATT-13:
Entrepreneurship for
Persons with Disabilities
Peter McAlindon, Ph.D.
pete@blueorb.com
Friday, Feb. 1st 8am – 9am
Handouts are available at: www.atia.org/orlandohandouts
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Persons with disabilities are consistently
underrepresented in entrepreneurship
Weiss, T. (2009). Persons with Disabilities and Entrepreneurship. Disability World.
http://www.disabled-world.com/editorials/disablity-entrepreneurship-tips.php
Handouts are available at: www.atia.org/orlandohandouts
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Who am I?
• Entrepreneur for the past 20 years primarily in assistive
technology
• Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering with an emphasis in ergonomics
• Raised $5,500,000 for my company, Blue Orb, Inc.
• History of the orbiTouch Keyless Keyboard
• Teach entrepreneurship at the Rollins College Crummer
Graduate School of Business
• Awarded a three year grant from the National Science
Foundation
Handouts are available at: www.atia.org/orlandohandouts
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Entrepreneurial Process and Path
$
value
$
value
progress
progress
No two entrepreneurial paths are alike
Handouts are available at: www.atia.org/orlandohandouts
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Key issues facing entrepreneurs
You can’t know everything
You can’t know what you don’t know
Who, or where, do you go to for answers?
Not enough time
Not enough money
How do you address these issues?
Handouts are available at: www.atia.org/orlandohandouts
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Key issues facing entrepreneurs with
disabilities
You can’t know everything
You can’t know what you don’t know
Who do you go for answers?
Not enough time
Not enough money
Plus:
Resources are not as accessible
Network of people is not as robust
several others...
How do you address these issues?
Handouts are available at: www.atia.org/orlandohandouts
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Entrepreneurial Process and Path
value
progress
How can we straighten out the path and make it more accessible?
Handouts are available at: www.atia.org/orlandohandouts
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http://ecosystem.orlando.org
http://cfdisabilitychamber.org
Handouts are available at: www.atia.org/orlandohandouts
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Program Overview
• Overview of assistive technology -- for both user and mentor
• What it is; how it works; where to find it
• How to get the most out of it
• Fill out the application with mentor(s) help.
• Accepted? If yes, take a number of simple, you can’t fail, tests for best fit for
mentor, team building, learning style, motivation, personality, etc. Mentors
take the same tests! If no, we tell you why and what to do next.
• Tablet based for greatest access and portability.
• Program assesses where to start and provides steps unique to you and your
company and/or idea.
• Assigned two mentors, one with you always, the other step specific.
• Information is presented in many formats. It’s made available through your
device. Lessons are tracked and evaluated. Questionnaires used to assess.
Handouts are available at: www.atia.org/orlandohandouts
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What People Use to Access the Program: AT
Handouts are available at: www.atia.org/orlandohandouts
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What People Use for the Program -- AT, other
Ted Freeman, Scientist
Taking the orbiTouch Into the Research Laboratory
While completing his graduate work in physics at the University of Washington, Ted Freemen found himself
using a computer as his primary research tool. Now he is a Research Scientist in the School of Medicine at the
UW, analyzing the DNA sequences found in microbial genomes. His work is done entirely by computer.
Challenge:
After 15 years of
keyboard use, tendonitis
brings pain into everyday
computing tasks. Therapy
and different keyboard
designs don’t relieve the
problem.
Solution:
After the numerous
ergonomic keyboards
failed to help, Ted bought
the orbiTouch.
Benefit:
No pain. That’s the
bottom line. No pain
while using the orbiTouch
to type every day.
Years of full-time keyboard use eventually led to a severe case of tendonitis in his wrists. Ted's doctors and
physical therapists all had the same message: as long as he continued to use the device that caused this
repetitive stress injury-a standard computer keyboard-it would be difficult to recover fully.
Ted tried several different types of “ergonomic keyboards.” His experience can be summed up like this: “No
matter how well they may be designed, they still have keys that require individual finger motion to use. I can
tell when something is causing pain and when it will lead to pain several hours after use, and this was the case
with every one of those keyboards. They just did
not solve the problem.”
After seeing the orbiTouch at a conference, and (of course) thoroughly researching the product, he bought an
orbiTouch and began working with it. His comments after a year of use: “The orbiTouch completely eliminates
the source of my injuries, unlike any ergonomic keyboard I have used. No matter how well they may be
designed, ergonomic keyboards still have keys that require repetitive finger motion. I can use the orbiTouch all
day long without causing pain.”
Learning to use the orbiTouch was straightforward. Ted's first week was a little slow, but then his speed picked
up and his error rate dropped. After a few weeks he was typing effectively. And while his speed is not at the
same level as with a traditional keyboard, it is fast enough for him to do his job-and now typing is pain free!
Handouts are available at: www.atia.org/orlandohandouts
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16 Program “Tasks” (these are starting points)
• Business basics overview (i.e., recommended books, education videos,
Kaufmann Foundation series, local service providers overview, etc.)
• Select mentor/coach
• Determine roles: inventor, administrator, concept person, marketing
• Identify organizations that can help formulate ideas (e.g., Central Florida
Disability Chamber, Center for Independent Living, Edward Lowe Foundation)
• Develop plan for “fail fast” testing of product or service. What causes an idea
to fail fast? Talk to customers!
• Pursue preliminary patent protection, prepare business plan, exit strategy, etc.
• Obtain seed funds
• Design service/product
Handouts are available at: www.atia.org/orlandohandouts
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16 Program “Tasks” continued
• Develop and test a prototype (many, actually)
• Obtain input from customers, groups, potential partners and investors
• Launch viable product/service
• Pursue intellectual property protection
• Sell to first customers and potential partners
• Begin to incorporate all functions of the business plan (marketing, web
strategy and plan, etc.)
• Refine EVERYTHING as necessary
• Grow, Innovate, Exit
Handouts are available at: www.atia.org/orlandohandouts
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Hi, I’m Pete, your mentor
Handouts are available at: www.atia.org/orlandohandouts
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Overview of assistive technology used in the program
select device:
Xoom Tablet
Mac OS
Windows 7
Android Phones
iPad
select information:
Videos
Getting started
Cheat sheet
Manual
Website info
iPhone
Note: This would best be used as two drop down
lists. One for device or OS and the other for type
of media or information they want to see.
http://www.abledata.com/ is a great resource for equipment
This application and its website are Section 508 compliant...
Handouts are available at: www.atia.org/orlandohandouts
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Application
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parturient montes, nascetur ridiculus mus. Nulla dui. Fusce
feugiat malesuada odio. Morbi nunc odio, gravida at, cursus
nec, luctus a, lorem.
Hi, I’m Pete, your mentor
This site is Section 508 compliant...
Handouts are available at: www.atia.org/orlandohandouts
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Please list any assistive technology products you use (e.g., screen reader, orbiTouch keyboard, etc).
How comfortable are you using technology?
Handouts are available at: www.atia.org/orlandohandouts
Hi, I’m Pete, your mentor
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Please describe your business in 140 characters or less:
In more detail, what will your company do or make?
Handouts are available at: www.atia.org/orlandohandouts
Hi, I’m Pete, your mentor
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What’s new, interesting, or different about what your company will do?
Do you have a website or prototype? What is your website URL?
Handouts are available at: www.atia.org/orlandohandouts
Hi, I’m Pete, your mentor
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Explain how your company will make money.
Hi, I’m Pete, your mentor
Please provide information and URLs on current or likely competitors.
Handouts are available at: www.atia.org/orlandohandouts
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Please tell us about each founder and their role. Explain how you met and how long you’ve been working together.
Include LinkedIn information.
Hi, I’m Pete, your mentor
What are some things that the team (or its members) have built in the past? Please include URLs.
Handouts are available at: www.atia.org/orlandohandouts
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Can each of the founders attend the entirety of the program, or do some of you have other obligations?
Hi, I’m Pete, your mentor
Other than the founder(s), how many other employees do you have?
Handouts are available at: www.atia.org/orlandohandouts
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Where is your company located (City, State, Country)?
Hi, I’m Pete, your mentor
Please provide information on money the company has already raised, and any information on fundraising plans
for the future.
Handouts are available at: www.atia.org/orlandohandouts
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Why should we work with you and your company?
Hi, I’m Pete, your mentor
Please list any other entrepreneurs you know or would like to work with.
Handouts are available at: www.atia.org/orlandohandouts
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How did you hear about our program?
Hi, I’m Pete, your mentor
Is there anything else like you like us to know about you, your company, etc?
Handouts are available at: www.atia.org/orlandohandouts
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Thank you for your application.
You will hear from us within the next
10 business days.
Hi, I’m Pete, your mentor
Handouts are available at: www.atia.org/orlandohandouts
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Hi, I’m Pete, your mentor
A look at the “behind the
scenes” part of the program
Handouts are available at: www.atia.org/orlandohandouts
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1
2
3
4
5
5
Questionnaires
Mentors
User Steps
System Steps
Determine Best,
n Path Solution, as
Database
needed
1
Information
Resources
Privacy Maintained
Support, information,
increased service, revenue
2
Expert Analysis
Ecosystem
Experts evaluate
plan before it’s
sent to client or
talk client through
it.
Heart of our system: System that
generates simple steps to getting best
help via a system to track and
document best practices, resources,
outcomes. High accountability.
Research
Feedback, Collaboration, & Accountability
Who do we serve?
People with disabilities who
wish to become
entrepreneurs.
How do we reach them?
Disability Organizations,
Conferences, Medical
Community, Local and
State Govt., Churches,
Schools, Businesses,
Community Service
Organizations, etc.
How do we help and
support them? Develop a
system to track and
document best practices,
resources, outcomes. High
accountability.
Iterate to success.
Couple with research, information, and best practices
Determine Best,
First Path Solution
4
3
Access to
Information
Fully accessible web interface
Information Dissemination/Revenue Opportunities
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Experts and information enable the system of decision making
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Example network
Handouts are available at: www.atia.org/orlandohandouts
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Your first step: Sales and Marketing
I’m Pete, your mentor
A look at theHi,internal
part of the system....
www.marketissimo.com
also check out eMarketingVids at the iTunes store or http://www.emarketingvids.com/
Handouts are available at: www.atia.org/orlandohandouts
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http://premium.docstoc.com
http://www.hubspot.com
http://www.udemy.com
I’m Pete, your mentor
A look at theHi,internal
part of the system....
https://evernote.com
http://www.surveymonkey.com
http://www.linkedin.com
<< MORE >>
Handouts are available at: www.atia.org/orlandohandouts
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Entrepreneur Support Organizations
I’m Pete, your mentor
A look at theHi,internal
part of the system....
http://www.kauffman.org
http://www.washington.edu/doit/
http://www.techstars.com
<< MORE >>
Handouts are available at: www.atia.org/orlandohandouts
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Entrepreneur Support Organizations: DO IT!
I’m Pete, your mentor
A look at theHi,internal
part of the system....
Disabilities, Opportunities, Internetworking, and Technology
Handouts are available at: www.atia.org/orlandohandouts
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Your Courses
I’m Pete, your mentor
A look at theHi,internal
part of the system....
<< MORE >>
Handouts are available at: www.atia.org/orlandohandouts
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Your Gurus
Seth Godin
Brad Feld
Mark Suster
I’m Pete, your mentor
A look at theHi,internal
part of the system....
http://sethgodin.typepad.com/
http://www.feld.com/
http://www.bothsidesofthetable.com/
<< MORE >>
Handouts are available at: www.atia.org/orlandohandouts
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Your Library
I’m Pete, your mentor
A look at theHi,internal
part of the system....
<< MORE >>
Handouts are available at: www.atia.org/orlandohandouts
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How well did your mentors do?
How helpful was the information?
I’m Pete, your mentor
A look at theHi,internal
part of the system....
Handouts are available at: www.atia.org/orlandohandouts
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How well did your mentee do?
I’m Pete, your mentor
A look at theHi,internal
part of the system....
Handouts are available at: www.atia.org/orlandohandouts
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What do we do with all this data?
Constantly improve the program -- it will take less time
and money to become successful
The network becomes more robust, helps make future
paths more reliable, better
What’s taken me 20 years to do, I could do in 3 years
today
In a year from now, I’ll be able to do it in one year
Handouts are available at: www.atia.org/orlandohandouts
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Why does all of this matter?
Think about what is going to happen
when more persons with disabilities become
successful entrepreneurs...
Handouts are available at: www.atia.org/orlandohandouts
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Know someone who would like to help or participate?
• Call or email me:
• email: pete@blueorb.com
• cell: 321.277.4272
• If you would like to be a mentor, I’d love to hear from you.
• If you are company with a technology or process that could
help, please send me your information.
• Send me your contact information so I can stay in touch. No, I
won’t SPAM you.
• Thank you.
Handouts are available at: www.atia.org/orlandohandouts
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Thank you for attending this session
• CEUs
• More info at: www.atia.org/CEU
• For ACVREP, AOTA and ASHA CEUs, hand in completed
Attendance Forms to REGISTRATION DESK at the end of the
conference. Please note there is a $15 fee for AOTA CEUs.
• For general CEUs, apply online with The AAC Institute:
www.aacinstitute.org
• Session Evaluation
• Please help us improve the quality of our conference by completing
your session evaluation form.
• Completed evaluation forms should be submitted as you exit or to
staff at the registration desk.
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