The Purchasing Power of Working-Age Adults with Disabilities in Boston and Other Top Metropolitan Areas

The Ruderman Family Foundation in partnership with the American Institute for Research (AIR) and the Institute for Educational Leadership (IEL) created two research briefs that inform the business community in Boston and several other top metropolitan areas about the challenges faced by workers with disabilities and the contributions that disability-diversity can make to the workforce. In this research brief, through an examination of 2017 American Community Survey data on working-age adults with disabilities ages 15 to 64, the authors quantify the amount of disposable and discretionary income held by people with disabilities and the implications for economic growth for the 10 largest metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs). This examination provides a more nuanced view of how Boston compares to similar sized metropolitan areas across the United States. An examination of the population at this micro level can help local and regional businesses to identify how they may include people with disabilities throughout their planning from design and development to employment. The report begins with an examination of demographics in these MSAs followed by an analysis to quantify the amount of disposable and discretionary income held by people with disabilities and the implications for economic growth for those 10 largest MSAs. The results of this study will provide important information for businesses in Boston and other metropolitan areas to better understand the variability and potential of this market. People with disabilities are an important part of the talent pool, bringing different perspectives and creativity to the workplace. They are also valuable customers who, with their family members, expand the market and economic success of companies that are paying attention to them. [This report was prepared in partnership with the Ruderman Family Foundation.]