News
Pilot program supports creative industry for people with disability
An employment program piloted by The Spastic Centre in 2009 has created opportunities for people with cerebral palsy to establish profitable business ventures in the arts.
The Entrepreneurial Employment Program provided Greg Mouser and Regan Hughes with a business mentor and a small grant to plan and establish their business aspirations in the arts.
Regan Hughes used the program to purchase equipment and set up his home based video and editing studio as well as register a business and tap into the expertise of business advisor Mike Coles.
Having obtained a Certificate IV in Film and Television from North Sydney TAFE, Regan now offers post-production video editing services to a broad range of clients.
“Getting my business started took much longer than I thought. But already things are looking good. I have recently worked on some great projects like the Mission Australia ‘Hush for Homelessness’ TV commercial and the 150 Years documentary,” Regan explains.
Greg Mouser has established a craft business, producing hand-made, one of a kind cards. He was able to set up a studio space in his home and greatly increase card production. Greg currently sells his entire range from two retail stores as well as at a number of weekend markets.
“The Entrepreneurial Employment Program gave me the money, the advice and the encouragement to take my business to the next level. I am making a living out of doing what I love doing.” Greg said.
The Spastic Centre has provided services for children and adults across Australia for 60 years and is hoping to be able to continue offering the Entrepreneurial Employment Program to others like Regan and Greg, dependant on funding.
“This pilot project has been a great success,” said Deborah Hoffman, General Manager, Strategy, Research and Planning at The Spastic Centre.
“Finding corporate sponsorship to offer the initiative nationally is now being planned, and when secured will enable the project to continue.”