The Tipping Point in Disability & Business

After reading Malcom Gladwell's book "The Tipping Point" I have been left by pondering the question when will society realize the critical nature that the disability community plays throughout the business world? Why has there been such a lapse in judgementto acknowledge this very important facet of society? We are slowly beginning to see diversity groups look at the areas of disability in a new way. However, I do believe we are close to being at what Gladwell describes as a Tipping Point when it pertains to disability and business. Over the past few weeks alone I have come across several articles in the mainstream press from the Wall Street Journal to the New York Times discussing disability issues ranging from hiring practices to the recent surge on pop culture with such figures as Comic Josh Blue.

With the new greay dawn upon us we are at point in our human history that wecan no longer absolve ourselves from the disability community. Disability is not just a political, health or even social issue - it is a HUMAN issue! Even with this being said I think that business plays a crucial role in the evolution of the role that disability plays within our society. The reason for this is very clear- by looking at disability through the context of business & capitalism we can a greater appreciation of the need for acceptance. That statement maybe a looked at with a bit of concern but let me elaborate. Business can create new opportunities in the development of products and services but at the same time inorder for a corporation to continue to run smoothley human capital is essential.This is a critical time due to an aging workforce & 69% of people want to work passed the age of 65 in the US alone. That being said we as a society need to look at the disability community as a model to understand certain accessibility issues but also see there value with the human caputal marketplace. By utilizing this foundation it provides business new opportunities to develop products & services that will enhance the lives of people with disabilities & be good for business. I do believe the "Tipping Point" is upon us it is only a matter of time!