When Eileen Watt, a single grandmother from Creston, came to Kootenay Employment Services (KES) in June 2014, she was determined to become more financially self-reliant. She wanted to feel empowered and equipped to bring her dream of an art-based business to life.
Watt knew that she was taking on a challenge.
“Because of my disabilities, things are more difficult for me to comprehend,” she said. “Things take longer for me to do and learn than the average person.”
Her hope was that self-employment would give her the freedom and flexibility to customize her work to suit her needs and talents. But trying to get her business started on her own hadn’t been working for Watt.
“It was really overwhelming by myself,” she said. “I needed the help to be able to do it.”
KES was eager to work with Watt. Developing customized employment and self-employment solutions is at the heart of a new approach to serving clients with disabilities. It is an approach that matches people’s unique strengths, interests and conditions with opportunities for meaningful work.
In some cases, KES teams up with local employers to create or customize a position. In other cases, KES works with entrepreneurial clients, like Watt, on self-employment strategies. No matter the client or the job, the focus is on helping people to recognize and develop their knowledge, skills and confidence.
Today Watt’s business, Joyfilled Pix, is up and running. She takes spectacular photos of nature, skyscapes, flowers and energy orbs, and produces cards, calendars and prints that are for sale. Her work can be viewed and purchased at www.joyfilledpix.com, and Joyfilled Pix can also be found on Facebook.
Getting Joyfilled Pix off the ground has been a labour of love. Along the way, KES connected Watt with a wide range of supports. KES staff helped Watt to refine her business concept and gave training in business management, marketing and networking. Funding was accessed to purchase special glasses that lessen the impact of Watt’s disabilities. When possible, Watt was referred to non-KES resources, such as local Columbia Basin Alliance for Computer Literacy programming.
KES also provided Watt with a supportive job coach. Job coaches offer one-on-one help to make employment and self-employment work. For Watt, this meant finding a coach who could help with the IT aspects of the business.
“It has been huge because she has helped me learn about the technology,” Watt said.
The personalized assistance has made a real difference.
“It’s been nice to have someone support me step by step,” said Watt. “She is so positive and upbeat and gets all excited for me when I learn something new.”
So far, Watt’s self-employment strategy is working for her. She feels that she has realized her goal of starting a business that she can operate on her own terms.
“It feels amazing,” she said, “because I can see it getting as big as I want it to be, or as little as I want it to be.”
Joyfilled Pix is working for the community as well. Not only are customers loving Watt’s products, but the local economy is gaining something, too. Watt believes in shopping local and has made a point of partnering with other local businesses.
“I think it’s important to support local business, especially if I want local business to support me,” she said. “I used Imagine Ink for my calendars. For my sign we went to All Signs and they did really well. For my greeting cards, I have worked with Creston Card and Stationery.”
From her perspective, when people with disabilities have more disposable income, the local economy really wins.
“For people with disability, it can be hard to shop elsewhere or online,” she said.
Watt is just one of many KES clients with disabilities who have found their way to rewarding self-employment. She is full of encouragement for other valley residents with business ideas.
“Just believe in yourself enough to go and do it. I’ve done a lot and I’m having fun.”
September is Disability Employment Month and KES is proudly showcasing disability employment programming. Contact KES to learn more about how a customized employment or self-employment solution might work for you or your business.
—KOOTENAY EMPLOYMENT SERVICES