Building Entrepreneurial Skills for People with Disabilities in Indonesia’s Social Centers

What is it about?

People with disabilities often face limited job opportunities and barriers to economic independence. One way to address this challenge is through entrepreneurship, which enables individuals to generate their own income. This publication examines how entrepreneurship and skills training provided in social rehabilitation centers can improve the economic prospects of people with disabilities. The study examines training programs that aim to develop practical skills, confidence, and motivation for starting small businesses. It shows that when training is well designed and supported—through mentoring, access to tools, and continued guidance—participants are better prepared to become self-reliant and economically active. However, the publication also highlights important challenges. Not all training programs are equally effective, and many participants still face difficulties, including limited access to capital and markets, and to ongoing support after completing the program. Overall, this study shows that entrepreneurship training can play an important role in empowering people with disabilities, but it must be accompanied by long-term support and inclusive policies. The findings are relevant for government agencies, social service providers, NGOs, and anyone interested in promoting inclusive economic development.

Featured Image

Photo by UK Black Tech on Unsplash

Photo by UK Black Tech on Unsplash

Why is it important?

This article is timely because there is growing attention in Indonesia and globally to inclusive economic development and the rights of people with disabilities to participate fully in the workforce. While many programs focus on employment placement, fewer studies examine entrepreneurship as a realistic and empowering alternative for people with disabilities. This publication addresses that gap. What makes the article unique is its focus on entrepreneurship training within social rehabilitation centers, an area that is rarely explored in academic and policy research. Rather than discussing disability inclusion in general terms, the study examines how skills training, mentoring, and institutional support can help people with disabilities develop entrepreneurial capabilities. The article is also distinctive in that it moves beyond policy discussion and highlights the real challenges faced by participants, such as access to capital, markets, and post-training support. By doing so, it provides practical insights directly relevant to program designers, social workers, and policymakers. The difference this article can make is significant. It provides evidence-based guidance on how entrepreneurship programs can be improved to better support people with disabilities in achieving economic independence. At the same time, it contributes to broader discussions on inclusive growth and social protection, making it valuable for researchers, NGOs, and government institutions working to build more inclusive economies.

Perspectives