Introduction 

This manifesto is inspired by a life lived with Spinal Muscular Atrophy and enriched by the countless disabled people, family members, and advocates I’ve had the privilege to know. Through my career in various sectors, I’ve witnessed both the potential and the barriers disabled people face. My story of creating jobs and opportunities for both disabled and non-disabled people is just one example of what’s possible when the right support and opportunities are provided from an early age. Imagine how many others could thrive if given the same foundation. This is not just my vision; it’s a call to action. True inclusion is not a favor for disabled people—it’s an investment in a stronger, more inclusive society that benefits everyone.

1. Basic Needs

Every person has the right to shelter, food, clothing, and warmth. Yet, for disabled people, these basics are often harder to access due to systemic obstacles and bureaucratic delays. With around 1.3bn disabled people in the world, ensuring basic needs are met for this population isn’t just compassionate—it’s essential for a fair society. When we prioritise access to these essentials, we strengthen our communities and reaffirm our shared humanity.

2. Independent Living

Independent living is about providing disabled people with the tools to lead a life of dignity, choice, and full participation in society. This includes access to high-quality assistive technologies, adaptable tools for communication, and a streamlined, respectful system of social care. Independence empowers individuals, but it also strengthens communities. By investing in resources like wheelchairs, software, personal assistants, accessible housing and transport, we create bridges that allow everyone to contribute their full potential. When these bridges are strong, society as a whole benefits.

3. Lifelong Learning

Education is the foundation of innovation and societal progress. For disabled people, access to education at every stage—from school to adult learning—opens doors to opportunities and unleashes untapped potential. By breaking down the barriers that prevent disabled people from accessing learning, we’re not only supporting personal growth but also creating a richer, more dynamic society. When classrooms and workplaces welcome diverse perspectives, new ideas flourish, and everyone benefits.

4. Economic Contribution

Disabled people represent an underutilised workforce and entrepreneurial force, with the potential to contribute significantly to the economy. If even a small fraction of disabled people were provided with better meaningful employment opportunities, the economic impact would be profound. Inclusive hiring practices and support for disabled entrepreneurs aren’t just about compliance; they’re about unleashing creativity, resilience, and diversity within our economy. When businesses recognise the value of disabled employees and equally importantly consumers, they contribute to a more resilient, prosperous society.

5. Civic Participation

True democracy values the voices of all its citizens. Disabled people bring unique perspectives that can shape better policies, more inclusive communities, and innovative solutions. Including disabled voices in decision-making isn’t just about representation; it’s about building a society that truly understands and addresses the needs of all its members. When disabled people are empowered to participate in civic life, they become active contributors to progress, not just beneficiaries of it.

6. Leisure and Tourism

Leisure, travel, and recreation should be accessible to everyone. Disabled people face significant barriers to enjoying local activities or traveling abroad, limiting both personal experiences and economic participation. When we design cities, transportation, and tourist destinations with accessibility in mind, we open up experiences that enrich everyone. Accessible leisure and tourism foster community connections, stimulate economic growth, and promote a more inclusive society where everyone can share in life’s joys.

Conclusion

Disability inclusion is not just a “nice-to-have” but a transformative approach to building a better world. With more than one-fifth of the global population registered as disabled, the impact of full inclusion is staggering. When disabled people are fully included, we unlock economic growth, spark innovation, and foster a richer culture that benefits all of society. This manifesto is a call to work alongside disabled people—not just to create space for them (us), but to build a world where everyone thrives.

This journey starts with each of us. Small, intentional actions can lead to monumental changes. Leaders in business, government, and communities must commit to co-creating solutions, recognising both the powerful business case for inclusion and the essential human case for equality. If we all rise to the challenge — disabled people, allies, and leaders alike—we can create a world that celebrates diversity, drives progress, and ensures lasting benefits for everyone.

This is only the beginning, and I invite you to join me on this path towards true inclusion and collective growth.