Honestly I believe this is a market that needs to be filled everywhere… All sorts of things like remote and in person services, and any range of things like chiropractors, dentists, etc who can come to them at their home. Maybe even going as far as replacing services like doordash/Instacart too, or possibly having some kinda non-profit situation who helps to pay for those things for them… This is something you’d be surprised how many people suffer from, yet have absolutely no assistance, even simple things like bringing groceries and having those costs offset/covered somehow, or maybe some other ideas…
Let me know what you think lol
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This is a terrible idea. Agoraphobia is a disorder. Like alcohol use disorder.
Not a disability.
something is really wrong with you if you think that way.
Just because you don’t understand something doesn’t mean it isn’t true.
A disability is something with severe symptoms, any disorder can become a disability.
Like alcohol and drug use. And over eating.
Really, then explain why it’s recognized as a disability especially under federal disability laws?
People who suffer from agoraphobia may be eligible for SSDI benefits if their condition interferes with their ability to work. Sufferers are evaluated in the same way as individuals who suffer from panic attacks
You can get disability payments for all sorts of shit that the medical community does not classify as a disability.
You can do something about agoraphobia.
You can’t give a blind person sight, or remove cerebral palsy.
You also have to be disabled for more than a year, with proof, before they’ll even let you apply. Or have proof it’ll last longer than a year.
It’s not a lack of respect. Things like agoraphobia,obesity,addictions etc can be classed as a disability. But there is also insurmountable evidence that they can be cured. Society doesn’t work the way you would like by just accepting these conditions as incurable and then catering to them.
Not that you shouldn’t have sympathy for these people but a business is not going to cater for them unless maybe the agoraphobia is linked to something like autism.
And how can you ignore the ADA anyways?
I’ll cite it again;
by JM Casey · Cited by 17 — Under Title I of the ADA, a phobia or anxi- ety disorder (except those disorders specifically excluded by the Act) is a disability
It’s a disability 🤷♂️
You can qualify for disability just being obese. I know several people that are motorized chair bound and on disability, and just sit home ordering DoorDash.
That doesn’t make it a disability. They have eating disorders.
I have two disabilities in your definition: alcoholism, and GAD. I have had to deal with both most of my life. They are disorders.
You have crazy definitions of disability. You really need to educate yourself on not only disabilities in general, but what the ADA classified as a protected disability. The fact that you’re here claiming it’s not, on its own, it’s against the protected rights of disabled persons and can land you in trouble. This isn’t the subreddit to even be debating about disabilities or not, it’s a subreddit about services for agoraphobics.
Your “disabilities” aren’t recognized by the ADA, nor SDDI so - nice try. GAD, maybe SDDI, if it kept you from substantial gainful employment - but still not ADA recognized
Anxiety, phobia, panic attacks (agoraphobia is in all that as well), is recognized under the ADA.
You coming here challenging whether it’s a disability or not and basing your answer on that is petty, rude, and not even what this subreddit is for. Grow up and stop being a bully.
Goodbye.
What do you think GAD is, if not “anxiety”? And yes, it often involves panic attacks.
And I’m welcome to claim anything is not a disability.
I’m not employing you. I’m not telling you that as a customer of my business, and discriminating. The ADA protects you from behaviors, not other people’s opinions.
by JM Casey · Cited by 17 — Under Title I of the ADA, a phobia or anxi- ety disorder (except those disorders specifically excluded by the Act) is a disability
You still have a chance to delete your comment.
Your idea of creating a service specifically tailored for individuals with agoraphobia is thoughtful and has the potential to address a real need. The challenges faced by people with agoraphobia are often underestimated, and providing services that cater to their unique circumstances could make a significant positive impact. Here are some considerations and suggestions for your business idea:
Comprehensive Service Offerings:
Consider offering a range of services, both remote and in-person, that cater to the needs of individuals with agoraphobia. This could include at-home medical services, grocery delivery, pet care, and more.
Partnerships with Service Providers:
Form partnerships with service providers in various industries who are willing to offer their services at the clients’ homes. This could involve establishing a network of professionals who specialize in at-home services.
Customized Delivery Services:
Develop a delivery service that goes beyond typical offerings. Tailor the service to meet the specific needs of individuals with agoraphobia, ensuring a comfortable and stress-free experience.
Financial Assistance Programs:
Explore the possibility of financial assistance programs or partnerships with organizations that can help subsidize the costs for individuals with agoraphobia. This could involve collaborating with local charities, nonprofits, or government agencies.
Awareness and Education:
Raise awareness about agoraphobia as a recognized disability and the specific challenges individuals face. An educational component can help reduce stigma and garner support for your business.
User-Friendly Website or App:
Develop an easy-to-use online platform that connects individuals with agoraphobia to service providers. The platform should be user-friendly, accessible, and focused on meeting the unique needs of this demographic.
Community Building:
Foster a sense of community among individuals with agoraphobia. This could involve forums, support groups, or events where people can share their experiences and connect with others facing similar challenges.
Consultation with Mental Health Professionals:
Collaborate with mental health professionals to ensure that the services provided are aligned with the needs of individuals with agoraphobia. This can help tailor your offerings to be genuinely supportive.
Feedback Mechanism:
Implement a feedback mechanism to continuously improve your services. Regularly seek input from your clients to understand their experiences and identify areas for enhancement.
Legal and Ethical Considerations:
Ensure that your business complies with legal and ethical standards related to healthcare, privacy, and disability accommodations. Consult with legal professionals to navigate potential challenges.
It’s commendable that you’re considering a business model that addresses the needs of individuals with agoraphobia. By combining practical services with empathy and understanding, your venture has the potential to make a positive impact on the lives of many people.I am a business startup coach. I had a client who wanted to reach this market. What we found was:
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Agoraphobics don’t have money if their own. They rely on family or disability for income. It makes it hard to sell them services.
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The market is hard to reach. There are some Facebook groups that focus on agoraphobics but as their popular is so vulnerable the moderators are aggressive about shutting down any promotion, even if the services could genuinely help.
Yeah but what I’ve noticed recently is that 2020 has created a class of WFH white collar agoraphobics. 2 of my friends have become like this
Thank you this helps a lot. So really it would boil down to fundraising which likely won’t reach much of a goal at all
Also maybe expanding to other disabilities
My client decided to stop trying to reach this audience. I create online courses and still believe this population would benefit from online courses and interaction, so I’d still like to reach them. I think it would take something like television ads. A lot of the As Seen on TV stuff was designed for people with disabilities and then is generally marketed so they can reach people who may not admit they need specialised devices. That’s why people in those ads are so “clumsy.” I think that kind of blanket ads approach would be the way to reach this market, and possibly also using humour like that to make it approachable.
Yeah great ideas. Nowadays probably more phone based ads like tiktok and social media though, but I hear what you’re saying
Idk, maybe I’ll just go for it and if it goes nowhere then so be it
When you start a business you throw a lot of spaghetti at the wall and see what sticks. Do what’s in your heart, just keep swimming, and eventually your focus will get clearer.
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I think this is one of those business ideas that’s fallen into the “ooh, we can do everything” elephant trap. What seems like a great opportunity is really too nebulous to pin down and market.
Your demand targets are spread thinly between people who don’t even know they have agoraphobia, and just don’t go out because they don’t like it, and others that are sufferers who completely do get it and might occasionally treat themselves to a delivery as a treat.
On the supply side, a home delivery service is equal whether the customer has agoraphobia, is too fat to fit through their front door, if they’re quadriplegic and wheelchair bound, or for people with no transport. So you’re going to struggle to market this to them.
An added problem is it’s not a condition anyone wants! An agoraphobe doesn’t want to be part of a group that makes it easier to be agoraphobic. They either need CBT or a home supermarket delivery. Both of which are solid existing competition.
It’s a bit like the business of selling alcohol to alcoholics, or gambling to gambling addicts. Businesss do it all day long, for a living, but not one distillery or bookmaker will ever list it in their mission statement.
I am not a medical professional. But I understand exposure therapy is sometimes effective at treating agoraphobia. What you are suggesting looks opposite of exposure therapy. Do you think it will be a net positive for your customers?