OMG and welcome to September!
I’m Christian Robicheau at our Sterling Creations Desk and for today our president Donna J. Jodhan has an interesting perspective to share with you.
It’s all about promoting a career of entrepreneurship for persons with disabilities.
Happy weekend.
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Fostering Entrepreneurship For Persons With Disabilities
By Donna J. Jodhan
In 2000, I took the plunge and dived into the world of entrepreneurship and since then I have not looked back. Regrets? Not too many! Rewarding? Very much so!
Would I recommend this as a path to employment for persons with vision impairments? Only if you are strong, determined, and committed not to give up too easily. In short, Entrepreneurship for someone with a vision impairment is not for the faint of heart but for someone who truly believes in themselves and has the confidence and independence to travel this path.
Absolutely — people with vision impairments can thrive as entrepreneurs, and many already do. Success largely comes down to leveraging your strengths, using assistive technologies, and building a supportive network. Here are some targeted recommendations:
1. Choose the Right Business Model
Focus on ventures that play to your strengths and allow for flexibility. Here are some ideas:
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Service-based businesses: Coaching, consulting, writing, or virtual assistance.
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Online businesses: E-commerce, affiliate marketing, blogging, or content creation.
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Tech-focused ventures: App development, accessibility testing, or product design with a focus on inclusion.
2. Embrace Assistive Technology
Use tools that enhance productivity:
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Screen readers: JAWS, NVDA, or VoiceOver.
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Speech-to-text tools: Dragon NaturallySpeaking or built-in voice recognition.
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Magnification software: ZoomText or Magnifier.
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Accessible website builders: Wix, Shopify, or WordPress with accessibility plugins.
3. Build an Accessible Workspace
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Use Braille labels, tactile keyboards, or accessible hardware.
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Set up cloud-based tools like Google Workspace or Microsoft 365 that are designed with accessibility in mind.
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Prioritize voice-controlled systems (e.g., smart assistants like Alexa, Google Assistant).
4. Seek Out Support and Resources
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Mentorship and training: Organizations like Hadley, Lighthouse Guild, or National Federation of the Blind offer business programs.
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Grants and funding: Look for disability-specific funding programs from government or nonprofit sources.
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Networking: Join disability entrepreneur communities (like Disability:IN or local small business groups).
5. Learn from Role Models
Study successful blind or visually impaired entrepreneurs, such as:
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Aaron Cannon: Blind software engineer and accessibility consultant.
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Christine Ha: Blind chef and restaurateur.
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Lennart Bång: Blind motivational speaker and entrepreneur.
6. Focus on Problem-Solving
Your unique perspective can help you identify underserved markets or design more inclusive solutions. Many successful businesses are born from solving challenges the founder has personally faced.
I’d like to leave you with this for your consideration.
Title: Vision Beyond Sight: The Story of Zara, a Tech Entrepreneur
Zara sits in her home office in downtown Toronto, the quiet hum of her laptop echoing against the minimalist decor she curated by feel and intuition. The room is dark to others, but not to her—each object is mapped out in her mind’s eye with precision. Zara lost her sight in her late teens due to a degenerative condition, but today she runs a thriving software consultancy specializing in accessible app design.
Each morning, Zara begins her day with a series of audio commands. Her screen reader—set to a speed most would find dizzying—narrates her inbox, calendar, and morning headlines. She uses a braille display and voice-command tools to respond to clients and code alongside her team. Her firm, Inclusive Logic, was born from a simple but overlooked idea: most apps and digital services are not built with accessibility in mind.
What makes Zara stand out isn’t just her resilience—it’s her business acumen. She consults for tech giants and startups alike, helping them audit digital platforms for accessibility. Under her leadership, her company developed a toolkit called “SenseUX,” a plug-in for designers to test how navigable their apps are for blind and low-vision users. The toolkit uses AI and real-time feedback from a network of disabled testers.
But her journey hasn’t been frictionless. Investors initially hesitated—“niche market,” some said; others subtly questioned how a blind founder could run a tech firm. She countered by showcasing prototype demos with top-tier accessibility ratings. She also leveraged social media (with audio-based platforms like Clubhouse and podcasting) to create a community of disabled professionals, shifting public perception one conversation at a time.
Zara’s enterprise now employs both sighted and visually impaired professionals in equal measure. Her workplace is a model of universal design, with tactile guides, audio cues, and a culture of empathy. She advocates internationally for policy change and speaks at major tech conferences, often reminding audiences that “Accessibility is not a feature—it’s a foundation.”
This illustration reflects how modern tools (AI, voice interfaces, inclusive hiring, and policy advocacy) empower visually impaired entrepreneurs.
Image = A woman in business attire sits at a desk using a smartphone and stylus to interact with a calculator, with a laptop open nearby; overlaid digital graphics depict a rocket launching surrounded by icons representing analytics, artificial intelligence, communication, and strategy, suggesting innovation or startup growth in a tech-driven work environment.
To learn more about me as a sight loss coach and advocate visit www.donnajodhan.com
