Does it count when you are a PR for a company that a family member started? My cousin invented a motor-assisted therapy cycle for his wife after severe strokes and the insurance company cut off her PT funds, of course! He quit his well paying job to care for her and keep up her PT himself. He continues to help others, including going to a home of 10 adopted special needs kids to do PT for them on the eVO every week for the past several years. This is the type of guy I want to support in any way I can! (I've just started with him 3 months ago) He hasn't quit his day job of being a Tax Accountant (a CPA with all of the classes but without the degree and years working as a clerk for minimum wage under one) We take the eVO cycle to Trade Shows, EXPOs, and in-services... he's never done cold calling before I came along. One of the first things I would recommend is get a web site! That's the first thing everyone asks - do you have a web site? Put it on your business card, put it on the bottom of all of your emails! Take a look at the web sites of others and get ideas of what you like - take notes! (I keep a notebook with me at all times) Beck, you have a great idea there! Make sure - absolutely sure that you put at least 2 different patents on it (and get a good Patent Attorney) before you show it around. Patents, by the way, are open to public view so walk it into the Patent Office. Believe me, my cousin has been through the worst situations in the past 10 years and is almost getting his head above water. Do not give up and don't necessarily trust everyone who wants to help you. First, write down everything about this invention and snail mail it to yourself. Do not open the envelope when you receive it (has the postmark on it) - this does not mean that you have patent rights on it yet, just that you thought of it first. Second, work out the engineering of the thing - sketches will do but clearly mark all needed parts. Get all that to the patent attorney and then to the Patent Office. Then go find your funding. You need to figure out if you want to keep the patent or sell it. Most investors will want a huge return on their profit or take over in a few years. Angel Investors will want to front the money and have a return in at least a year with the bulk of the investment loan repaid. Grants you have to ask if they need to be repaid. And, ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS... get a very good CPA - the government always wants it's fair share or a reporting from you that you made NOTHING (or they will slap a nice fine on you of several hundred dollars every month or quarter if you have a tax i.d.). Don't get a tax i.d. unless you really need one, in other words. Ok. I must get back to working on the site. I've only just begun to correct it. Best of luck to ALL! See you at Conference! Jennie Spencer PR Assistive Therapy Solutions Inc http://www.assistivetherapy.com
01/06/08 04:01:09 am

My device would carry objects from room to room of a house or space with minimal interaction with the physically limited individual. Originally thought out for just laundry, but it should be able to carry a lot more than just laundry. One of my worst problems of my disorder is the inability to carry ANYTHING. Even on my best days I can only carry 5 lbs (including clothes) without causing physical problems. This is true even sitting down in a scooter/wheelchair. The interaction is just telling the device which room to go to and potentially dealing with error states (the cat/dog trapped it in a bad location).
10/23/07 01:10:01 pm

Miriam, there are a lot of great sources out there that will fund new inventions. Depending on the invention type is what will lead you to the sources. For instance, if the invention will help the blind/hearing impaired, the Helen Keller Foundation would be a good organization to start with. Here are many sources here: http://www.fundsnetservices.com/disabili.htm
10/22/07 03:10:46 pm

I don't have a business yet, but I plan on starting one in early 2008. I am currently in the planning stages. Are you aware of funding sources for people who want to make devices for the Disabled and Elderly? I have specific inventions I want to create, but I am trying to figure out funding.
10/18/07 07:10:03 pm

I don't have a business yet, but I'd love to start one. I have lots of great ideas!
09/29/07 07:09:41 am

I love the idea of this club! It's brilliant.
09/14/07 05:09:26 pm

Cool club!!! So, Eric what advice do you give to young entrepreneurs (disabled or not)?
09/13/07 11:09:49 pm