What is Self-Employment?
For many consumers, self-employment is a viable option. Self employment services are intended to support an employment outcome that is designed to maximize the individual’s work, earnings, and financial independence. The self-employment venture must be expected to be the major source of income for the individual.
Self-employment is a consumer-owned business, profession, or trade that sells goods or services for the purpose of making a profit. A self-employed consumer works for themselves for profit or fees, at home or at another work site, controlled by the consumer. Self-employment includes sole proprietorships, partnerships (51% consumer owned), or corporations.
The terms, “home based business” and “home-based employment” have different meanings and are not interchangeable in regard to self-employment:
- Home-Based Business: A business, profession or trade is consumer owned, managed and operated out of the consumer’s residence, including contract work. A home-based business may be self-employment.
- Home-Based Employment: Work performed by a consumer, at home, for an employer through telecommuting. Home-based employment is not self-employment.
Each OVR district has a designated Self-Employment Specialist with the following role:
- Act as a resource to district staff on self-employment.
- A source of information for Counselors regarding local resources.
- At the counselor’s request, review the assessment to assist the counselor in determining if the goal is appropriate.
- Report any problems with process or procedures to the state Self-Employment Coordinator for resolution or revision of process.
Helpful Links
Self-Employment Services Contact Information
Chris Sheetinger, Self-Employment Services Coordinator
Kentucky Office of Vocational Rehabilitation
Office of Vocational Rehabilitation
Mayo-Underwood Building
500 Mero Street
1st Floor SE
Frankfort, KY 40601 502-564-4440 (V/TTY)