The study, titled "The Next Growth Market," calculates the purchasing power of adults aged 16 to 64. While the report focuses on traditional definitions of disability—including mobility, vision, and hearing impairments—it notes that this figure is likely conservative, as it excludes neurodivergence and chronic health conditions. With discretionary income for this segment now totaling $107 billion annually, the market is currently comparable in size to the global cosmetics industry.

Despite this economic footprint, a significant gap remains. The average disposable income for people with disabilities sits at approximately $40,000, compared to $68,000 for their non-disabled counterparts. However, as employment numbers rise, researchers suggest this divide will narrow. Companies that integrate accessibility into their core product design and market strategies are positioned to capture this demand. Experts emphasize that removing physical and digital barriers—such as adopting assistive AI or screen-reader compatibility—not only serves a specific demographic but improves usability for the entire consumer base, creating a broader cycle of economic participation.