Getting Your Business Off the Ground as a Disabled Parent

Summer is a great time to be developing a business idea and utilizing tools to make a dream become a reality. In this blog we explore ways as a parent with a disability to get a business off the ground. Thank you to our guest blogger this month.

Starting a business is never simple. Doing it as a disabled parent adds unique challenges, yes—but it also sharpens your resilience and focus in ways most people can’t imagine. You’ve already learned how to juggle needs, time, and limited energy. That experience is your strength, not your weakness. This article isn’t about glorifying struggle; it’s about offering real strategies that respect your time and your reality. We’re going to walk through practical steps—from funding and tech to self-care and scheduling—that can make your entrepreneurial journey feel more possible and less overwhelming. You’ve already beaten the odds. Now let’s build something that works for your life.

Know where to look for funding

Money doesn’t need to be your first barrier. In fact, there are grant programs and microloans created specifically for people with disabilities who want to start businesses. You don’t need to max out a credit card or beg a bank. Dig into local and national programs that see you as an investment, not a risk. Some are designed to work alongside federal disability benefits, giving you added security as you grow. One smart place to begin is by exploring whether you qualify for specialized business grants that are often overlooked by traditional entrepreneurs. That access can create breathing room when every dollar matters.

Education can change your trajectory

Sometimes what you need isn’t more experience—it’s a new lens. Getting an advanced degree might sound impossible with kids, appointments, and mobility issues or chronic pain in the mix. But online learning has shifted the equation. If you’re dreaming bigger and want more tools in your toolkit, it might be time to earn an MBA and deepen your understanding of finance, leadership, and strategy—all on your terms. Flexible coursework, asynchronous lectures, and accessible platforms mean you don’t have to choose between parenting and progress.

Use the right tools from the start

Your body has different needs—and your technology should reflect that. Don’t settle for awkward workarounds that cause fatigue or friction. Mid-tech solutions like screen readers, ergonomic mice, and voice dictation software can make daily tasks feel smoother and more sustainable. Being able to toggle through spreadsheets or design logos without burning out is not a luxury. You have the right to work in a way that honors your energy. Don’t hesitate to try customizable assistive technology that adapts to your workflow instead of forcing you into someone else’s mold.

Guard your time like your life depends on it

Because honestly? It does. Your health, your kids, your clarity all hinges on how you manage time. That doesn’t mean color-coded calendars or waking up at 5 a.m. It means saying no to things that drain you and yes to habits that protect your bandwidth. One approach that works for many disabled parents is to block focused work time slots that align with natural energy peaks. If mornings are hard, don’t fight them. Build around your rhythms. Your time is more precious than most people’s—and that’s not a limitation. It’s a reason to build smarter.

Mental stamina matters more than strategy

You’ve probably already been told to “hustle” or “push through.” Forget that noise. Entrepreneurship is a marathon, not a crisis sprint. If you’re not checking in with yourself—mentally, emotionally—you’ll burn out fast. That means breaks. That means boundaries. That means knowing when to pause and when to power through. There’s strength in choosing rest. Disabled parents in particular need routines that support recovery, not just productivity. Make it part of your business plan to regularly invest in entrepreneurial self-care so you don’t become your own bottleneck.

Find people who get it

Isolation is toxic fuel. Don’t build your business in a vacuum just because others don’t understand your life. There are spaces—yes, real ones—where disabled entrepreneurs support each other, trade stories, and share resources. These communities aren’t just nice to have; they’re lifelines. They remind you that you’re not the only one navigating this path with a wheelchair, or a service dog, or a feeding schedule in the background. Go ahead and join a disabled entrepreneur network to plug into a community that sees your full context, not just your ideas. Business grows better when you’re not alone.

Starting a small business as a disabled parent isn’t about beating the odds—it’s about reshaping them. You’ve already proven that you know how to handle complexity with heart. Now it’s time to apply that same tenacity to your dream. Whether you’re learning to automate your schedule, tapping into disability-specific grants, or studying for a business degree after your kids fall asleep, every step forward is a win. You don’t have to follow a traditional path to build something sustainable. Just one that works for your body, your family, and your goals. You’re not just building a business. You’re building a life that fits.

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Author: Jackie Waters
Ms. Waters is a mother of four boys and lives on a farm in Oregon. She is passionate about providing a healthy and happy home for her family, and aims to provide advice for others on how to do the same with her site Hyper-Tidy.com. She has been inspired to do some home improvements lately to make it easier for her visually-impaired sister-in-law to navigate their house since she recently came to live with them.