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Our Mission
To improve the quality of life for the residents and visitors of Anacortes
by lowering the barriers that may restrict their participation in public or
commercial activities of the community.
Who are we?
Anacortes Residents with varying disabilities:
Visual
impairment, Hearing impairment and users of Canes, Walkers, Wheelchairs & Scooters
Including:
Health
care professionals and
Anacortes
Senior Center members & management
Why do we need a Barrier Buster
Committee?
21% of Anacortes residents are 65 or older
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Compared to 14.6% in Skagit county and 11% in Washington
18.5% of Anacortes residents are disabled
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Over 2,500 people w/ disability
Facts about Americans with disabilities:
- The 2000 U.S. Census found that there are more than
50 million Americans with disabilities. Almost one
in five people in this country are potential customers for businesses
that are accessible to people with disabilities.
- Millions of people with disabilities regularly
travel, shop, and eat out with family and friends. A 1990 study by the
U.S. Department of Education found that 20.3 million families in the
U.S. have at least one member with a disability.
Spending Power of People with Disabilities:
- The US Dept. of Labor estimates people with
disabilities have $175 billion in discretionary spending. This is two
times the spending power of teenagers!
- In 2003, it is estimated that people with
disabilities spent $35 billion in restaurants. More than 75% of
the people with disabilities eat out at restaurants at least once a
week.
- The New York Times estimates that spending of
travelers with disabilities exceeds $13.6 billion annually.
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