Accessibility and Universal Design: Do They Provide Economic Benefits?

Area of Science:

• Socio-economics
• Business Management
• Public Policy

Background:

• Accessibility is recognized for its social value and economic repercussions, though measurement is challenging.
• Universal Design principles and Amartya Sen's capability approach underscore the socio-economic relevance of accessibility.
• The concept aligns with corporate social responsibility and the universalistic framework of Sustainable Development Goals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the economic value of accessibility from both company and public administration perspectives.
• To identify key variables and stakeholders in the economic field of accessibility.
• To provide a foundational understanding of accessibility's economic implications for various sectors.

Main Methods:

• An interdisciplinary qualitative approach was employed.
• Analysis was conducted from the dual perspectives of companies and public administration.
• The study considered both material and immaterial factors of accessibility.

Main Results:

• Accessibility, broadly defined, holds significant economic value, varying between companies and public administrations.
• For companies, accessibility is increasingly crucial for marketing, product/service development, and organizational profiles.
• The study identifies key areas where accessibility generates economic value, though quantification metrics require further research.

Conclusions:

• Accessibility is a critical factor with demonstrable economic value for both private and public sectors.
• Further research is needed to develop precise metrics for quantifying the economic impact of accessibility.
• The findings are relevant for policymakers, designers, managers, and businesses involved in goods and services.