News from BluePath Website
Adding Accessible Businesses Everyday!
There are several unintended consequences of becoming an accessible business. Being accessible means you are more inclusive and welcoming to everyone.
1. If you are accessible to people with disabilities today, you are accessible for the baby boomers of tomorrow. 40% of those over 65 self-identify as having a disability. Babyboomers also control over 70% of all discretional spending in the U.S. And 73% are retired with time to travel. Disabled travelers account for $58.2 billion of the $1.2 trillion U.S. travel market — nearly 5 percent — and they travel about the same amount as people who don’t have disabilities.
2. Accessibility is becoming more mainstream. The movie CODA won Best Picture in 2022, there are more than nine apparel designers with adaptive clothing lines, Degree Deodorant has developed accessible packaging, Pottery Barn and Ikea have launched a line of adaptive furniture, and the list goes on.
3. Being accessible benefits locals and visitors alike. A community can list their accessible businesses, recreation, and attractions on BluePath and friends and family will know where they can go!
4. Working towards being accessible may protect you from an unintended lawsuit. Accessibility also appeals to elected officials, who see it as an asset with economic benefits. A disability is something that can happen no matter your race, gender, or economic status.
While many businesses may consider accessibility “nice to have” but not a “must have”, let’s remind them that accessibility is now “cool to have”.