ACTIONABLE SOLUTIONS

Mountain Lifeworks evaluates data to target barriers and disparities government systems and charities cannot. A balanced approach recognizes the needs of children, patients and individuals on one side and the needs of parents, caregivers and providers on the other. By combining data centric solutions with common sense collaborations we help our most vulnerable and their caregivers, while supporting the professionals and programs helping them at the same time.

Mountain Lifeworks forges modern public-private partnerships where meaningful employment and small business programs intersect with healthcare, mental health and poverty data. A balanced approach combines workplace training and support programs for neurotypical and non-disabled employers with small business coaching and tools for local neurodivergent, disabled and caregiver owned businesses. This is how we increase options, improve outcomes and reduce costs.

2020_ColoradoDisparityStudyFactSheet.pdf - Google Drive

Tax Incentives for Employers | U.S. Department of Labor (dol.gov)

Work Opportunity Tax Credit | Internal Revenue Service (irs.gov)

MEANINGFUL EMPLOYMENT

The SBA reports 2 out of 3 jobs are created by small businesses. Meaningful public and private sector employment opportunities often coincide with employer benefits options, while higher incomes facilitate access to plans on the exchange.  IEPs, accommodations and trained professionals improve outcomes at school, while the lack of workplace training and similar accommodations is a barrier for many who can and want to work.

Data and experience intersect revealing trade schools, DVR and SWAP programs are effective and in demand. It is the lack of workplace training programs required to create jobs and expand neurodiversity and disability inclusive employment that is missing. By training public and private sector employers of all types and sizes we increase meaningful employment opportunities from government, corporate and local employers.

ODEP | U.S. Department of Labor (dol.gov)

Diversity and Inclusion | U.S. Department of Labor (dol.gov)

Supporting and Hiring Individuals with Disabilities and Neurodivergence | U.S. Chamber

SMALL BUSINESS OWNERSHIP  

SBA data shows 8 out of 10 small businesses report having no employees meaning they are self-employment models. A disabilty-owned business is at least 51% owned by persons with a disability. Many are familiar with mentoring and supplier diversity programs for women, minority and veteran owned businesses, but not disabilty-owned businesses. Without the same opportunities and accommodations individuals with communication challenges and social symptoms associated with their disabilities are not able to enjoy the same government programs and benefits.

Social enterpises are for-profit businesses that employ a vulnerable or at-risk workforce or re-invest 51% of revenues back into its employees or philanthropic missions. Consistent coaching for neurodivergent, disabled and caregivers owned businesses is critical to balancing the role of employee with the opportunity to be owners. Small business coaching and mentoring programs are a critical bridge to connecting under-represented businesses to local chamber benefits, existing supplier diversity programs and navigating government systems.

Disability Owned Business Enterprise (DOBE Definition | Law Insider

Social Enterprise Definition (investopedia.com)

What Is Supplier Diversity? Why Your Business Needs It | NetSuite

Colorado Small Business Economic Profile (sba.gov)