What is Disability Inclusion: The Data and Why it Matters
Here’s why disability inclusion matters, key data to understand its significance and back up why it matters.
“I didn’t choose to live with a disability. But because I do, I want to belong and not be seen because fo my disability but because of who I am.”
Disability inclusion refers to the practices and policies that ensure people with disabilities have equal opportunities to participate in all aspects of life, including employment, education, healthcare, and social activities. It involves removing barriers, both physical and attitudinal, that prevent individuals with disabilities from fully engaging in society.
Here is another definition.
The CDC defines Disability inclusion as including people with disabilities in everyday activities and encouraging them to have roles similar to their peers who do not have a disability is disability inclusion. This involves more than simply encouraging people; it requires making sure that adequate policies and practices are in effect in a community or organization.
Understanding Disability Inclusion
We must have a baseline of what disability inclusion means and why it matters. Below are a few areas for us to focus on.
Human Rights and Social Justice
Equality and Dignity: Every person has the right to be treated with dignity and respect. Disability inclusion ensures that people with disabilities are not marginalized or discriminated against and that their rights are upheld.
Empowerment and Participation: Inclusion empowers individuals with disabilities to participate fully in society, contributing their skills, perspectives, and talents.
Economic Benefits
Workforce Diversity: Inclusive workplaces benefit from a diverse workforce, which can enhance creativity, problem-solving, and innovation. Different perspectives lead to better decision-making and solutions.
Economic Contribution: When barriers are removed, individuals with disabilities can contribute to the economy as employees, entrepreneurs, and consumers. This increases economic productivity and reduces the need for social welfare.
Social and Community Benefits
Social Cohesion: Inclusion fosters a sense of community and belonging. It helps build a more cohesive society where everyone, regardless of ability, can contribute and feel valued.
Improved Quality of Life: Inclusive practices improve the quality of life for individuals with disabilities by providing access to education, employment, healthcare, and social activities.
Legal and Ethical Obligations
Compliance with Laws: Many countries have legal frameworks that mandate disability inclusion, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in the US and the Accessible Canada Act. Compliance is not just a legal requirement but also an ethical obligation.
Corporate Social Responsibility: Companies that prioritize disability inclusion demonstrate a commitment to corporate social responsibility, enhancing their reputation and brand loyalty.
Addressing Stigma and Discrimination
Reducing Stigma: Inclusion efforts help to reduce stigma and misconceptions about disabilities. This leads to greater acceptance and understanding in society.
Promoting Equity: Ensuring that individuals with disabilities have the same opportunities as others promotes fairness and equity in society.
Innovation and Development
Driving Innovation: Designing products and services with accessibility in mind can drive innovation. Universal design principles benefit everyone, not just those with disabilities.
Sustainable Development Goals: Disability inclusion is integral to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to reducing inequalities, promoting decent work, and ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education.
Why Disability Inclusion Matters: The Data
For me, words are great but backed with data is even more impactful. Here are some helpful data points for you to review, digest and use to motivate your understanding of disability inclusion.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 1 billion people, or about 15% of the world's population, live with some form of disability. (Data)
The prevalence of disability among the working-age population (15-65 years old) is generally estimated to be around 10-15% globally. (Data)
Invisible disabilities make up a significant portion of the overall disability population. Estimates suggest that around 10% of people worldwide live with an invisible disability. (Data)
The exclusion of people with disabilities from the workforce results in a loss of up to 7% of GDP in some low- and middle-income countries due to a lack of productivity and economic contribution. (Data)
Employment Rates: In the United States, the employment rate for people with disabilities was 19.1% in 2021, compared to 63.7% for those without disabilities. (Data)
Income Levels: People with disabilities are more likely to live in poverty. For example, in Canada, 23% of people with disabilities live below the poverty line, compared to 9% of those without disabilities. (Data)
UNESCO reports that 90% of children with disabilities in developing countries do not attend school. Inclusive education leads to better educational outcomes and long-term economic benefits for individuals and societies. (Data)
The WHO states that people with disabilities often have poorer health outcomes due to barriers to accessing healthcare services. Inclusive health policies improve access to necessary services and overall health. (Data)
The UN reports that people with disabilities face widespread discrimination and barriers in employment, education, and social participation, highlighting the need for inclusive policies to ensure equity. (Data)
Inclusive communities are shown to improve the quality of life for all members. For example, the presence of accessible infrastructure and services benefits everyone, including older adults and families with young children. (Data)
Non-compliance with disability inclusion laws can lead to significant financial penalties for businesses. For instance, companies in the U.S. can face fines of up to $75,000 for the first ADA violation and $150,000 for subsequent violations. (Data)
So What Now
Disability inclusion is not only a matter of human rights and social justice but also an economic and social imperative. The data shows significant benefits to individuals, businesses, and society as a whole when inclusive practices are implemented. By building an environment where everyone can participate and contribute, we create a more equitable, innovative, and inclusive world for all.
