Author(s): Ahsan Habib, Thomas M. Cooney
This study explores the transformative potential of tailored entrepreneurship training for individuals with disabilities in Europe, addressing their employment disparities. With only 51.3% of people with disabilities employed in the EU compared to 75.6% without disabilities and a self-employment rate of 5%, this research examines how tailored entrepreneurship training can enhance perceived emancipation for people with disabilities. TU Dublin conducted a 12-week online entrepreneurship course for individuals with disabilities in 2022. The research methodology involved 5 in-depth interviews, with 4 course participants and 1 course lecturer. The article provides insights into challenges faced by this demographic in starting a business, identifies future course improvements, explores the course's impact on perceived emancipation, contributes nuanced interpretations to existing knowledge, and advocates for a more inclusive business environment for people with disabilities