Empowering Physically Disabled People in Vietnam: A Successful Microenterprise Model

June Alexander (), Claire Hutchinson and Greg Carey
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June Alexander: Disability and Community Inclusion Unit, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA 5042, Australia
Claire Hutchinson: Caring Futures Institute, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA 5042, Australia
Greg Carey: Caring Futures Institute, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA 5042, Australia

Disabilities, 2024, vol. 4, issue 1, 1-17

Abstract: Background: Disabled people in Vietnam are some of the most vulnerable to disadvantage. Employment involving microenterprises can provide economic empowerment and wealth generation. This qualitative study aims to address a gap in the literature regarding the establishment of microenterprises for physically disabled people in Vietnam. Method: Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with seven physically disabled individuals, including the founder and Director of ‘Company of Grace’ a non-governmental organisation with a mission to support physically disabled people in establishing their own microenterprises. Company of Grace (COG) supported six entrepreneurs in establishing microenterprises that provided English language instruction to school-aged children after regular school hours. Data were analysed utilising a framework that improves the probability of entrepreneurial success in developing countries. This framework aided in examining the approach of establishing microenterprises by the non-government organisation. Results: The physically disabled entrepreneurs reported earnings above average wages and feeling empowered by participating in the microenterprises. These feelings of empowerment were reportedly associated with greater independence, increased self-efficacy and confidence in planning for their futures. Conclusion: Microenterprises, exemplified by COG’s model, empowered disabled individuals to teach English, enhanced student engagement and fostered confidence and economic self-sufficiency among disabled entrepreneurs, thereby making a notable contribution to entrepreneurship for disability inclusion.

Keywords: physical disability; employment; microenterprise; Vietnam (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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