MARKETPLACE : DIVE DEEPER

  • The disabilities community represents the largest and fastest growing minority group in the world, representing over 750 Million individuals worldwide and in the U.S., surpassing the Hispanic population by five percent. World Health Organization, U.S. Department of Labor, The Rolling Rains Report
  • 54 million adults in the U.S. report having a disability, representing 20% of the U.S. population. U.S. Department of Labor
  • Of that 54 million:
    • 73% are heads of households
    • 58% own their own homes
    • 48% are the principal shoppers

U.S. Census Bureau

  • More than 20.3 million families in the U.S. have at least one member with a disability. U.S. Department of Labor
  • Disabled adults control over $3 Trillion in discretionary income worldwide; a number industry analysts predict will soon spike. The National Organization on Disabilities
  • People with disabilities have the most buying power of any traditionally underrepresented group. U.S. Census Bureau
  • People with disabilities spend $700 Billion per year on technology. WE Media
  • 23 million parents in the U.S. have at least one child between the ages of 5 and 16 with special needs, representing 11% of the population. WE Media
  • 72% of people with disabilities are likely to upgrade to a product’s latest model. DiversityInc.com
  • In 1 of every 5 households a family is caring for a child with special health care needs. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
  • The special needs community has nearly 200 billion dollars in discretionary spending; two times the spending power of teens and more than 17 times the spending power of tweens. U.S. Department of Labor
  • At 19.3% the number of people with disabilities exceeds the next largest minority group-the Hispanic community (14.9%) by a fairly wide margin. U.S. Department of State International Programs
  • 10.7 million people of age 16 or older have a condition that makes it difficult to go outside the home to shop or visit a doctor. U.S. Census Bureau
  • 90% of adults with disabilities eat out 1 or more times a week, making up $35 billion in annual revenue. This increases to two times per week for 18-29 year olds. The Open Doors Organization
  • 40% of the traveling public are Americans with disabilities and their companions. Diversityinc.com
  • Travelers with disabilities spend more than 13.6 billion dollars annually. The Open Doors Organization
  • 12.2% have a higher rate of self-employment and small business experience than people without disabilities (7.8%). U.S. Department of Labor
  • 40% of home-based businesses are operated by people with disabilities. U.S. Department of Labor