2022 MiOTA Annual Conference

Background: There is a lack of research on the perspectives of persons with disabilities. There are several factors why people with disabilities do not work in typical job settings, but there is not research regarding people with disabilities starting their own businesses. Objectives: This case study investigates how starting a business with people with disabilities in a group home can improve quality of life, how OT can help, and how a business like this can be sustainable and replicable. Methodology: Observations and interviews with the participants were completed. Results: The interview and observation data were coded using MaxQDA. The main themes included funding, challenges and supports, group homes, goals, and quality of life. Implications: Quality of life improved for the participants in this study. However, more research needs to be completed to discover how OT can improve business ventures with people with disabilities and make them sustainable and replicable.