October 26, 2024

This month, I’m stepping away from the usual updates to share my experience at the M-Enabling Summit in Washington, DC. For those unfamiliar, the M-Enabling Summit is an annual event that focuses on promoting accessible technologies and services. It brings together leaders in various sectors—technology, advocacy, policy-making, and beyond—to advance digital inclusion for persons with disabilities. Since its inception in 2011, the summit has served as a platform for collaboration and innovation, driving discussions on how technology can remove barriers and enhance independence for people with disabilities.

At this year’s summit, I had the chance to attend a seminar about traveling with disabilities. What became apparent during the session is that the travel industry must expand beyond physical products like mobility aids or accessible accommodations. Virtual travel is emerging as a transformative option, allowing people with disabilities to experience places and cultures that might otherwise be inaccessible. This concept of virtual tourism could redefine how we think about inclusion in travel—by utilizing VR and immersive technologies, everyone can access the wonders of the world, regardless of physical limitations.

Another highlight for me was sitting in on two seminars that delved into the world of accessible gaming. As gaming becomes a vital form of social interaction, the importance of accessibility in this space cannot be overstated. One key takeaway was the need to build accessibility into the design phase of games, rather than treating it as an afterthought. An example often cited is The Last of Us Part II, which has set a high standard by offering a wide range of accessibility features from the start. This proactive approach is essential for creating truly inclusive gaming experiences, where players with disabilities are empowered to enjoy the full breadth of the gaming world, right alongside their peers.

Furthermore, what we have been advocating here at Envisioning Access—and what I constantly heard echoed in every seminar I attended—is that the disabled and aging communities represent massive, often untapped, economic power. Globally, there are over 1.3 billion people living with disabilities, which translates to about 16% of the world’s population. Combined with the aging community, this demographic holds a staggering spending power estimated to be in the trillions. Businesses that fail to recognize and cater to this market are missing out on billions of dollars in potential revenue.

This powerful economic force highlights the importance of building accessibility not just as a compliance measure, but as a strategic advantage. By investing in accessibility, businesses can better serve these communities and tap into their substantial market potential.