Glen Morgan is a successful entrepreneur and owner of Morgan Computer Consulting. His company offers a wide range of services from web design to computer education. When asked to talk about how he got started with computers, Glenn responded:

“The first time I saw a computer, I thought to myself, there is no way I even want to go near one of those things! Computers were for nerds, and it certainly was not in my plans to become one. Then, a friend of mine built a computer, and we played a flight simulation game on it. Wow! From that moment on, I became a tech-head. Today, I can not imagine not having a computer in my life.” -- Glenn Morgan, Owner of Morgan Computer Consulting

Glenn initially worked as a technical support volunteer, because he was concerned about losing his health benefits. He has a spinal cord injury and needs medical benefits to pay for personal attendants, doctors, wheelchair repairs, and other medical needs. Glenn commented: “People wanted to pay me for my help, but I would not accept any money. I was concerned about the impact [that] earnings would have on my health benefits. My medical benefits are my life line. Without benefits, I would not be able to get out of the bed in the morning, eat, or do other things I need to do to live my life.”

Eventually, Glenn received the reassurance that he needed to start his computer business from a vocational rehabilitation counselor. The counselor attended a seminar about self-employment and passed the information to Glenn. Glenn contacted the self-employment consultant who offered him guidance every step of the way, as he started up his consulting business. “[The consultant] showed me how I could run a business and still receive medical support. Also, the laws were changing so people with disabilities could work and still get the support needed,” said Glenn.

At the same time that Glenn began working with the self-employment consultant, he was busy editing radio programs and developing a website for his church. In addition, he was still lending technical support to friends! That year, at a fourth of July celebration, a friend introduced Glenn to another person interested in computers. This led to a job audio editing presentations from conferences. After these events, Morgan Computer Consulting fell into place!

Glenn cleans up the audio, which requires splitting the audio, adjusting the amplification, editing, filtering background noise, and putting it in to a usable format. Then, he puts the audio on the company’s server or passes it off to someone else who completes the next step in the production process. This particular job has lasted six years. In addition, Morgan Computer Consulting includes building websites, editing and transferring video to DVD (or any other format needed), training people how to use voice recognition. Glen also consults on purchasing computers and upgrades, and provides training on how to use the computer.

When asked if he would advise other individuals with disabilities to consider self- employment, Glenn replied:

“I would highly recommend it! There are benefits like setting my own schedule. I like to go swimming in the Pacific Ocean. Staying physically fit makes me more productive. To swim, I need someone to assist me with transferring to a beach chair, which they use to wheel me over the sand, putting on flippers, and dumping me in to the water. Work hour flexibility allows me to arrange my swimming schedule with my support providers.”

Although Glen lost some financial support along the way, he is still eligible for social security benefits. This is despite the fact that he does not receive a check from Social Security at this time. The earnings from Morgan Consulting pay the bills and allow Glen to do things he could never afford before. He enjoys being productive and stated:

“I was on the system for a long time, but now I am off it except for my medical support. Work is a big part of life. Do you know how it is when you first meet someone? First, they ask what is you name and then what do you do? I am happy I have something to say now. Work is good for your self esteem. Many people have no hope of ever working. Doing something you like and receiving compensation for it can change that, and it feels great!”