Self-employment for disabled

Press, 2 December 1982, Page 27

Self-employment for disabled

Parliamentary reporter A new scheme designed to help disabled persons become self-employed comes into effect today. Under the scheme financial assistance will be given for the purchase and establishment costs of equipment or machinery to be used by disabled persons. The maximum grant under the scheme will be for $5OOO, although under special circumstances it may be increased. and will be in the form of a suspensory loan which will abate over a period of five years. Any alterations to install machinery will be accepted as part of the cost of the business, and the Minister of Social Welfare, Mr Young, said it might be possible to make finance available to replace equipment in existing businesses where it was proved this would enable the venture to continue and the person to stay self-employed. Equipment could include printing machinery, sewing

or leatherwork tools, pottery or weaving equipment, horticultural equipment, or typewriters for secretarial work. Where several disabled persons decided to join to form a co-operative, they might all apply on an individual basis for a subsidy, Mr Young said. To be considered for the scheme, applicants would have to give a full description of the business venture, details of relevant past experience. lists of available plant or machinery and its value, the use to be made of the suspensory loan, and estimates of the amount required to establish the business. Applicants would also need a reference from a doctor and another from an accountant, certifying that the proposition was viable and the extent to which the business would support the applicant. Mr Young said the scheme would be reviewed after two years to assess its effectiveness.