Before you go, did you know?

  • Reports estimate the number of UK wheelchair users at up to 1.2Million1 and the number of US wheelchair users at up to 3.4Million2. European data varies from various countries but is consistent with US data of approximately 1% of the total population using wheelchairs or approximately 5Million.

  • It is estimated that 25% of the European market or 124Million have disabilities. Of these, it is estimated that 70% are physically and financially able to travel. It is estimated that 15% of the US population are disabled and this is expected to rise to 25% 3by 2030.

  • As mortality rates decline, there is also a growing awareness of a major demographic shift. The UK now has 11 million people over retirement age4 and it is likely that they will wish to travel.

Sources

1 - NHS Purchasing & Supply Agency & Audit Commission

2 - US Census 2000 & Survey of Income and Program Participation 2005

3 - Open Doors Organisation - 2005 research

4 - Older people in the UK, Key facts and statistics 2008, Age Concern