CATT-13: Entrepreneurship for Persons with Disabilities

1. 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 1

2. Persons with disabilities are consistently underrepresented in entrepreneurshipWeiss, 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 2

3. 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 3

4. $ Entrepreneurial Process and Path $ value value progress progress No two entrepreneurial paths are alike Handouts are available at: www.atia.org/orlandohandouts 4

5. 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 5

6. 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 6

7. 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 7

8. http://ecosystem.orlando.org http://cfdisabilitychamber.org Handouts are available at: www.atia.org/orlandohandouts 8

9. 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 9

10. What People Use to Access the Program: AT Handouts are available at: www.atia.org/orlandohandouts 10

11. 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. 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! 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. Handouts are available at: www.atia.org/orlandohandouts 11

12. 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 12

13. 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 13

14. Hi, I’m Pete, your mentor Handouts are available at: www.atia.org/orlandohandouts 14

15. Overview of assistive technology used in the program select information: select device: Xoom Tablet Videos Mac OS Getting started Windows 7 Cheat sheet Android Phones Manual iPad 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 15

16. Application Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consec tetuer adipiscing elit. Praesent vestibu lum mo lestie lacus. Aenean nonummy hendrerit mauris. Phasellus porta. Fusce suscipit varius um sociis natoque penati bus et magnis dis parturient montes, nascetur ridiculus mus. Nulla dui. Fusce feugiat malesuada odio. Morbi nunc odio, gravida at, cursus nec, luctus a, lorem. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consec tetuer adipiscing elit. Praesent vestibu lum mo lestie lacus. Aenean nonummy hendrerit mauris. Phasellus porta. Fusce suscipit varius um sociis natoque penati bus et magnis dis 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 16

17. Please list any assistive technology products you use (e.g., screen reader, orbiTouch keyboard, etc). Hi, I’m Pete, your mentor How comfortable are you using technology? Handouts are available at: www.atia.org/orlandohandouts 17

18. Please describe your business in 140 characters or less: Hi, I’m Pete, your mentor In more detail, what will your company do or make? Handouts are available at: www.atia.org/orlandohandouts 18

19. What’s new, interesting, or different about what your company will do? Hi, I’m Pete, your mentor Do you have a website or prototype? What is your website URL? Handouts are available at: www.atia.org/orlandohandouts 19

20. 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 20

21. 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 21

22. 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 22

23. 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 23

24. 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 24

25. 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 25

26. 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 26

27. 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 27

28. 1 5 2 4 3 4 3 2 1 5 Questionnaires Database Research Mentors Ecosystem Determine Best, First Path Solution Determine Best, n Path Solution, as needed Support, information, increased service, revenue Privacy Maintained Who do we serve? People with disabilities who wish to become entrepreneurs. Information Resources Experts evaluate plan before it’s sent to client or talk client through it. How do we reach them? Disability Organizations, Conferences, Medical Community, Local and State Govt., Churches, Schools, Businesses, Community Service Organizations, etc. Expert Analysis Feedback, Collaboration, & Accountability 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. Couple with research, information, and best practices How do we help and support them? Develop a system to track and document best practices, resources, outcomes. High accountability. Iterate to success. User Steps Access to Information System Steps Information Dissemination/Revenue Opportunities Experts and information enable the system of decision making Fully accessible web interface 28

29. Example network Handouts are available at: www.atia.org/orlandohandouts 29

30. Your first step: Sales and Marketing A look at the internal part of the system.... Hi, I’m Pete, your mentor www.marketissimo.com also check out eMarketingVids at the iTunes store or http://www.emarketingvids.com/ Handouts are available at: www.atia.org/orlandohandouts 30

31. http://premium.docstoc.com http://www.hubspot.com http://www.udemy.com A look at the internal part of the system.... Hi, I’m Pete, your mentor http://www.linkedin.com https://evernote.com http://www.surveymonkey.com << MORE >> Handouts are available at: www.atia.org/orlandohandouts 31

32. Entrepreneur Support Organizations A look at the internal part of the system.... Hi, I’m Pete, your mentor http://www.kauffman.org http://www.washington.edu/doit/ http://www.techstars.com << MORE >> Handouts are available at: www.atia.org/orlandohandouts 32

33. Entrepreneur Support Organizations: DO IT! A look at the internal part of the system.... Hi, I’m Pete, your mentor Disabilities, Opportunities, Internetworking, and Technology Handouts are available at: www.atia.org/orlandohandouts 33

34. Your Courses A look at the internal part of the system.... Hi, I’m Pete, your mentor << MORE >> Handouts are available at: www.atia.org/orlandohandouts 34

35. Your Gurus Seth Godin Brad Feld Mark Suster A look at the internal part of the system.... Hi, I’m Pete, your mentor http://sethgodin.typepad.com/ http://www.feld.com/ http://www.bothsidesofthetable.com/ << MORE >> Handouts are available at: www.atia.org/orlandohandouts 35

36. Your Library A look at the internal part of the system.... Hi, I’m Pete, your mentor << MORE >> Handouts are available at: www.atia.org/orlandohandouts 36

37. How well did your mentors do? How helpful was the information? A look at the internal part of the system.... Hi, I’m Pete, your mentor Handouts are available at: www.atia.org/orlandohandouts 37

38. How well did your mentee do? A look at the internal part of the system.... Hi, I’m Pete, your mentor Handouts are available at: www.atia.org/orlandohandouts 38

39. 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 39

40. 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 40

41. 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 41

42. 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. 42