Miriam Shutes has been ill or disabled most of her 50 years. Her left leg was amputated some years back due to circulation problems and her right leg is horribly swollen due to the same thing.
As a result of taking so many antibiotics for so long, Shutes developed cirrhosis of the liver.
Despite her failing health, Shutes started a new home business this year, after being unable to work since 1982, and hopes to become self-sufficient again. She calls her business “Miriam’s Busy Fingers.”
Shutes is one of six handicapped people in the state tapped for a new pilot program called Micro Enterprise Training Technology Assistant, or METTA. The program, which was created by the University of Florida, is designed to offer training, equipment and professional support so disabled people like Shutes can run their own home business. A team was formed to find a business that would meet Shutes’ abilities and interest. They came up with Medicaid waiver billing and virtual secretary. A business plan was developed and goals were set.
Shutes has six clients so far. She was supplied with a huge list of service providers throughout the state by the Agency for Persons with Disabilities and either writes or calls them to tell them about her service and how it will save them time and aggravation. The clients fax, e-mail or personally drop off their work schedules to Shutes to bill the state for their services. If the state rejects a claim, she gets on the phone to Tallahassee to find out why.
One of her clients utilizes her virtual secretary services and uses her to write letters and do mailings.
Shutes said it’s time for the public to look past a disabled person’s wheelchair and see them as people. This business has given me self-esteem and confidence. I have met a lot of people in the state, and my name is getting out there.”
Service providers who want help with their Medicaid waiver billing, or businesses that could use a virtual secretary, can reach Shutes at 850-215-1029.
Photo by Terry Barner.
Home Biz: Miriam’s Busy Fingers
August 7, 2008 by Rich | 5 Comments
In Internet, Microbusiness, Self-employed
Angela on August 7th, 2008 at 1:07 pm
Her story is very inspiring, and I’m glad to see that she is being enabled to do something of this sort.
I enjoy hearing good things like this, and it goes to show there is something for everyone.
cassy on August 7th, 2008 at 5:36 pm
Very inspiring article! I admire her for having confidence and self-esteem in herself.
People who are disabled should emitate Miriam’s attitude, to not lost hope but to have confidence in theirselves.
DJ Slimchopstick on August 7th, 2008 at 9:39 pm
This is an awesome story, it gives people inspiration and motivation. :)
Thank you very much for sharing, much respect and good luck to Miriam!
Carlos Alfonzo on August 22nd, 2008 at 8:48 am
Miriam is a wonderful human being who seems to be always ready to extend a helpful hand to those in need of help. Thanks to this article I was able to get in touch with her. Thank you to guys and to Miriam herself.
Miriam Shutes on August 23rd, 2008 at 7:14 am
I am truly amazed at the response the article has received concerning me. However, had it not been for those who believed that I could achieve something as worthwhile as self-employment for myself as a person with a disability, I might never have come this far. Also, until Mr. Alfonzo called me, I did not realize the far-reaching effects my being able to own my own business would affect others. My greatest desire is that others like me are able to have this kind of success!