A Yorkton massage therapist is a contestant in a unique video competition for entrepreneurs with disabilities. Perry Dancsok, owner of Massage P.A.D. on Parkview Road, is legally blind.In his video entry to the 2013 " Just Watch Me" video contest, he explained why starting a business was a good fit for him. "I decided to open my own business because this way I can call what happens in the location I am in," Dancsok said. "When you have a visual impairment or disability of some sort, you need to have a lot more control over your environment." At Massage P.A.D. everything is laid out in an organized fashion that makes it easy for Dancsok to operate despite his very limited vision. He said it's also important to have the right equipment such as, in his case, reading machines and a computer that talks to him.
The Saskatchewan Community Futures Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program supported Dancsok in getting his business started. He said it made a huge difference and offered some sound advice to those with disabilities thinking about entrepreneurship."Get yourself a good group of people to work with," he said."Like myself, I've gotten Community Futures and Partners in Employment and people like that.
They're out there, they want to help you and that's the thing that makes it easier. Even something as simple as an accountant, just keep all the ducks in a row and you'll succeed, I almost guarantee it." This year, the contest is divided into two categories, "seasoned entrepreneurs" and "start-up" . Dancsok is competing in the "start-up"category. The winner will be chosen by a panel of judges and announced February 26. The winner will take home $1000.
The celebrity judge on the panel is Saskatoon's Alexandre Dupont, an elite wheelchair athlete who competed in the 2012 Paralympic Games. "I am extremely excited to be part of this year's contest," Dupont said. "Owning a small business can be a great fit for people with disabilities.You can set your own hours, create a personalized work environment, and, most importantly, gain a sense of control over your destiny."
Interested readers can view Dancsok's video and vote in the "seasoned entrepreneur" competition at www.justwatchmecontest.ca.
- From the original article published in Yorkton This Week