'As a disabled entrepreneur, I am expected to compete with non-disabled competitors but it is not a level playing field.' Award-winning photographer says his business gave him self worth but lack of support will shutter it.
Eddie Hennessy LACK OF SUPPORT is forcing me to wind down my business as a self-employed photographer.
If the paralympians competed with non-disabled people, they wouldn’t have a chance. But in the business world, we are supposed to compete with non-disabled people. After a year of working, I realised my company would not be viable without support. This was not down to lack of demand for my work. It was because my costs were 30% higher than other photographers as I had to hire someone to help me with things that my disability wouldn’t let me do.
I feel ignored. I want to work and contribute to society but lack of support rather than my disability is preventing me from doing that. It’s different for self-employed disabled business owners. If I was working for another photographer, the Government would help to pay my wages and training. It also notes that people with disabilities face additional and distinctive challenges when becoming self-employed compared to non-disabled people.Last month, in response to a Sinn Féin parliamentary question where my lack of support was highlighted, Employment Affairs and Social Protection Minister Regina Doherty said “there does not seem to be a proper number of supports for people who have a disability and are entrepreneurs”.
#Open journalism No news is bad news Support The Journal Your contributions will help us continue to deliver the stories that are important to youI do not want my disability to hold me back but current strategy is preventing me from reaching my full potential.
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Gardai review CCTV footage after attack on Ana Kriegel killer Boy AIt’s understood gardai have reviewed CCTV footage of the alleged incident but there have not been any arrests
Read more »
WHO envoy urges Irish people to wear face coveringsThe World Health Organization has said that people in Ireland should get into the habit of wearing face coverings, even if it's not mandatory to do so.
Read more »
Justin Trudeau takes a knee with Black Lives Matter protesters in Canada“These are not just black Canadians. It’s everyone who’s saying black lives matter.”
Read more »