Hi, my name is Andy Leaf. Currently I am President/Founder of The Seed Business Network a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization. In 1964 I broke my neck while diving into the ocean. After a period of adjustment to being a C5-6 quad, I continued on with my schooling and eventually received my Masters in Counseling Psychology from Pepperdine University. I also started several small businesses along the way.

From 1995-2003, I served as President of The SEED Institute, a non-profit business incubator for disabled entrepreneurs. My personal experience of being in a chair for over 40 years, my business and educational background, were invaluable in allowing me to assist clients overcome their psychological and physical barriers to running a business. In 2003 I expanded our services and started The Seed Business Network, a nonprofit organization that focuses on assisting PWDs develop the business, social and life skills they need to be successful.

I know that there many challenges for PWDs to find employment and be economically self-sufficient. I also know that there are many opportunities to do so in the business world. My focus for the last 12 years has been to help people develop their business ideas -- mostly home-based. Our web site www.disabilitybiz.org offers: a business plan workbook: business life coaching; online entrepreneurial, personality and health assessment tools: a forum/messageboard to exchange info and experiences; and a comprehensive resource directory with over 250 easily accessible resource links.

Running a business is a viable work option and a great way to connect up with your community and be involved.