Emerging Giant - Big is Not Enough The Global Economics of Disability

From Emerging Giant -Big is Not Enough : The Global Economics of 

The World is Changing

Representing a population of 1.1 billion, people with 

disabilities(PWD) are making gains in the areas of education, 

employment, health and political representation.  A natural 

consequence of these changes is PWD gaining higher degrees  of 

influence and decision-making power as employees, consumers 

and taxpayers.  

Opportunity from Demographic Shifts

Since 1972, G10 economies have implemented equal rights laws 

that have created a legal platform for PWD to become equal 

members in society's institutions.  The most successful of these 

laws are in education.   The initial beneficiaries of these laws are 

now entering the workforce.

The demographics of an aging population  has  created a 'bulge' of 

the wealthiest generation in human history.  As Boomers' physical 

abilities change, their desire to remain active in society dovetails 

with the demands of PWD.  

The result  is three generations of skilled consumers  who have 

similar needs, evolved identities and significant spending power.  

Sectors  likely  to benefit from these changes are health care, 

consumer products, retail, financial services and the public sector.

Meshing Reality with Intention:

translate talk into budget & process.

Big is not enough.  

There exists very little research in the marketplace around how these consumers act relative to their disabilities.  Existing research focuses on medical condition, rather  than personal identity and common aspects that trigger buying 

behavior.