And despite accounting for about 15 percent of the global population and possessing an estimated disposable income of nearly $8 trillion, they are undervalued as a consumer market.
Investing in Inclusion – a handbook for businesses on disability-inclusive education, training, and employment demonstrates how businesses can make a transformative contribution to the lives of people with disabilities.
The report features candid interviews with persons with disabilities about their experience in education, the workplace, and society generally.
A young Nigerian woman with cerebral palsy describes her difficulty accessing services that many able-bodied people take for granted. For example, when she goes to the bank she cannot use the stairs, so must either be carried inside or call for an employee to come outside to attend to her needs.
An investigations lawyer with the global law firm Reed Smith describes the difficulties he faced in the job market due to his disability, while others describe the importance of a strong network of family and friends in helping them negotiate education and employment.