Woman starts home business, Miriam's Busy Fingers, as part of state pilot program : NewsHerald.com

Woman starts home business, Miriam's Busy Fingers, as part of state pilot program : NewsHerald.com: "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.

'It allows me to make the most of my potential,' said Shutes. 'I'm pretty computer savvy. I work four to six hours, Monday through Friday, but there are some days that I'm on the computer from 6 to 7 a.m. until 10 or 11 p.m.'

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"