Developing a Model for Promoting Social Enterprise for Entrepreneurs with Disabilities in Thailand

Abstract

In Thailand, there are approximately 4. 19 million persons with disabilities. Most of them (35%) are of working age. These individuals are engaged in entrepreneurship in the agricultural and services. The aim of the study is to change persons with disabilities from being " receivers" of assistance to being " providers" in economic and social development. Therefore, this study uses quantitative and qualitative methods. This study used surveys, focus groups, and case studies. Participants were entrepreneurs with disabilities who registered and not yet registered as social enterprises, and experts from the public, private, and academic sectors. The findings indicated that entrepreneurs with disabilities faced the highest level of need in building confidence. The problems reported were linked to training, legal/policy, and societal attitudes towards persons with disabilities. The model for promoting social enterprises for entrepreneurs with disabilities in Thailand by the Unit of Social Enterprise Incubator for Persons with Disabilities (USEID) consisted of four parts: leadership, training center, networking, and fund coordination. The findings suggest the need to enhance business and reduce taxes produced by persons with disabilities.