Understanding the magnitude of the economic benefits, including both social and market/financial dimensions, of an accessible and inclusive society is vital for policymakers attempting to set priorities and implement effective measures in this policy arena. Insights into these benefits can raise awareness of the cost of excluding persons with disabilities from full participation in society and identifying priorities and opportunities for more efficient allocation of resources. Estimating the economic benefits of accessibility and inclusion (or conversely the cost of exclusion) is an essential component of economic evaluation and impact analysis in this area. The total economic benefits and the per case benefits identified in this study are ideal for this purpose.
This report measures the gap between the current situation in Canada in terms of accessibility and inclusivity, and a counterfactual world that would include an implemented Accessible Canada Act (ACA) and, more broadly, an accessible and inclusive Canada. A society that is fully accessible and inclusive is the ideal. In practice, it is likely a continuous process of improvement.
The key question addressed by in this report is: What would be the benefits to Canadian society, in reference year 2017, if Canada was accessible and inclusive in all domains relevant to full participation?
