Deaf Entrepreneurship: How Policy Makers Can Support Deaf Entrepreneurs

Abstract

This research discusses grassroots ways to support deaf entrepreneurs in the US, more importantly, how policymakers can adopt these measures and practically implement them in higher education institutions or businesses. The research prescribes three main practical policy drivers' counsel, accessibility and mentorship that can be practically adopted and applied in policymaking for small businesses and new entrepreneurs entering the corporate world. With regard to counsel, Pressman (1999) recommends that counselors understand deaf entrepreneurs' personal, social and business backgrounds and demonstrate that a college degree is highly desirable, but not imperative, for an entrepreneurial career. To help provide accessibility for deaf entrepreneurs, Punch (2016) demands improvement at the corporate and organizational levels for both physical and communication accommodations such as rearranging furniture so that the person with hearing loss can see others better in the workspace or using e-mail or text messaging instead of telephone calls. On mentorship, Bosma et. al (2011) suggest programs that provide role models offer practical support and guidance to deaf entrepreneurs and students in their business ventures. Policies that practically provide counsel, accommodation, and mentorship in schools and in the workplace can help ensure deaf entrepreneurship success.