Access-Ability coaches and trains individuals/entrepreneurs with disabilities to improve their business practices or help them find meaningful employment. Access-Ability has a strong community presence and works closely with other awareness and entrepreneurship groups to highlight the abilities of those who are often overlooked by society.
In partnership with the Nova Scotia Down Syndrome Society and the Team Possibles Art Collective, Access-Ability hosts an annual event promote World Down Syndrome Day. In partnership with Autism Nova Scotia, Access-Ability’s consulting framework (Autism Works Entrepreneurship) is currently being franchised across six universities across Canada. Access-Ability is also consulting and rebuilding the business plan for the jewelry-based social enterprise run through Autism Nova Scotia.
Project Manager
Salman I Sadib : master.sadib@gmail.com
Autism Works Entrepreneurship is a program designed to connect entrepreneurs with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) to Enactus student coaches to help grow their business. Community partners refer entrepreneurs with autism who already have a business and/or product to the program, and student coaches conduct a needs assessment, create an action plan, and implement supports and business expertise.
Enactus Saint Mary’s and Autism Nova Scotia have worked together to expand the reach of Autism Works Entrepreneurship by empowering new Enactus chapters and autism agencies with the resources and community connections needed to deliver the Autism Works Entrepreneurship program. Enactus teams work directly with local autism societies and/or service providers, and local employment agencies to support individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder to create new businesses and support growth of existing enterprises.
Partner Autism Works Entrepreneurship Enactus Chapters: Acadia University, University of New Brunswick, University of Toronto, University of Calgary, University of Alberta, and the University of British Columbia.
The Promise of a Pearl is a social enterprise run by Autism Nova Scotia which includes a high quality, affordable jewelry line made by family, friends, and people on the autism spectrum here in Nova Scotia. The sale of each piece of jewelry directly supports the programs and services at Autism Nova Scotia, but more importantly, helps support families and people living with an Autism Spectrum Disorder. The vision of The Promise of a Pearl is to increase awareness and to share the inspiring message that the pearl represents the strength, beauty, and promise of people with autism.
The role of Enactus Saint Mary’s as a partner with Autism Nova Scotia is to provide direct business consulting for the social enterprise and assist in its goal of achieving controllable and sustainable growth. Enactus Saint Mary’s is currently developing strategic, business, marketing, and branding plans for The Promise of a Pearl.