Telework Resources

For more on telework (also called telecommuting), check out the Quest story “It’s a Virtual Work World” and the Quest Extra article “Working from Home: Finding Start-up Funds and Making a Business Plan.”

Abilities Fund
(888) 222-8943
www.abilitiesfund.org
Provides services for individuals with disabilities interested in self-employment and microenterprise, including a guide to business planning and areas to include in the plan.

America’s Service Locator
(877) 348-0502
www.servicelocator.org
Find a One-Stop Career Center in your area.

Better Business Bureau
(703) 276-0100
http://us.bbb.org
Check out a business, and search for information about avoiding work-at-home scams. Click on the link for consumers.

BizPlanIt’s Virtual Business Plan
(800) 219-9610
www.bizplanit.com/vplan.html
The free resource features common sections included in a business plan and provides tips on how to write an effective plan. Each section discusses basic information to include, as well as common mistakes to avoid.

CareerOneStop
(877) 348-0502
www.careeronestop.org
Find resources for home-based jobs and self-employment.

Consumer Reports WebWatch
(914) 378-2600
www.consumerwebwatch.org

Disability and Business Technical Assistance Center
(800) 949-4232
www.adata.org

Disability Business Network
(949) 413-1555
www.disabilitybiz.org
It’s a member organization, but users can search its business resource center for help with starting a home business.

DisabilityInfo.gov
(800) 333-4636
www.disabilityinfo.gov
Click on “Employment” link, and search for “Self-Employment/Entrepreneurship” or “Small Business Resources.”

Federal Trade Commission – Bureau of Consumer Protection
(877) 382-4357
www.ftc.gov/bcp/consumer.shtm
Click on “Investments & Business Opportunities,” and select “Work at Home Schemes.”

Job Accommodation Network – Small Business & Self-Employment Service
(800) 526-7234
www.jan.wvu.edu/sbses
SBSES provides information, counseling and referrals about self-employment and small business ownership opportunities, including resources for funding and writing business plans.

National Center on Workforce and Disability for Adults
(888) 886-9898
www.onestops.info

National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability – Youth
(877) 871-0744
www.ncwd-youth.info

National Fraud Information Center/Internet Fraud Watch
(800) 876-7060
www.fraud.org/tips/internet/jobscams.htm

Rat Race Rebellion
www.ratracerebellion.com
View screened online work-at-home job ads, subscribe to the free weekly newsletter, and locate tips for avoiding Internet job scams.

RESNA – Access to Telework Loan Programs
(703) 524-6686
http://69.89.27.238/~resnaorg/AFTAP/state/RESNA.html

Social Security Administration
(800) 772-1213
www.ssa.gov/pubs/10095.html
Learn how working may affect Social Security benefits.

Staffcentrix
www.staffcentrix.com
Find information and resources about virtual assistant careers.

START-UP/USA
(804) 828-1851
www.start-up-usa.biz
Provides technical assistance, resources, Webcasts and training to people with disabilities who seek self-employment and small business ownership.

Telework.gov
(202) 606-1800
www.telework.gov
If you’re employed by the federal government, visit the site to learn more about telework opportunities, or if you’re looking for a new job, investigate whether telework is an option for the available position.

U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy
(866) 633-7365
www.dol.gov/odep
The site provides a gateway to disability-related employment resources, including a list of frequently asked questions, publications and fact sheets about topics ranging from accommodations to employment laws and legal issues. You can learn more about the New Freedom Initiative and the Workforce Recruitment Program.

U.S. Small Business Administration
(800) 827-5722
www.sba.gov
Click on the “small business planner” to develop a business plan; the site offers tips for planning, finding a niche and a business plan outline. Also, look for a step-by-step guide to managing your business.

World Institute on Disability
(510) 763-4100
www.wid.org/topics/employment
Find links to several self-employment resources.