Business Resource Center

Business Center

People with Disabilities Mean Business!

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.

Resources for Small Business to Improve Accessibility

	Access Anacortes - A program promoting accessibility to potential customers! Sign-up Form
	Access Anacortes - How it works...
	Improve Accessibility using Alternatives to Physical Barrier Removal
	Customers with disabilities mean business!
	This thirteen-minute video identifies common mistakes that small businesses make when trying to comply with the ADA and addresses the importance and value of doing business with 50 million people with disabilities.
	Access Anacortes, a video produced locally to help local businesses understand accessibility issues.
	ADA Business Connection - Government website on business and ADA
	ADA Reference Materials
	ADA Checklist for Readily Achievable Barrier Removal - A user friendly checklist to evaluate specific facilities for meeting accessibility guidelines.
	ADA Small Business Guide - Practical guide to improving accessibility for small businesses.
	Contractors & Builders - Make housing accessible for everyone.
	Unsure as to the accessibility of your business? Contact Barrier Busters for help.