The production of the U.S. penny, which began in 1793, will stop after 232 years. The penny was authorized under the Coinage Act of 1792 and was one of the first coins produced by the U.S. Mint. In 2024, the penny accounted for 57% of circulating coin production. Â
The penny has had a tremendous influence in our society. There are many common quotes of advice and wisdom that we use in our daily conversations that refer to the penny. For example:Â
"See a penny, pick it up, all day long you'll have good luck," Anonymous.
"Costs a pretty penny," Anonymous.
"In for a penny, in for a pound," Anonymous.
"A penny saved is a penny earned,"Â Benjamin Franklin.
"Watch the pennies and the dollars will take care of themselves," Benjamin Franklin.
"A penny may seem to you a very insignificant thing, but it is the small seed from which fortunes spring,"Â Orison Swett Marden.
Did you know that the spending power of consumers with disabilities and their families is estimated at $13 trillion dollars? That is equal to 1.3 quadrillion pennies! Not an insignificant amount of money, right? What business wouldn't want access to these 'pennies'?Â
There are many opportunities available within this community, including:Â Â
- Hungry shoppers with an appetite for accessible restaurants;Â
- Online purchasers utilizing accessible shopping websites;
- Consumers of local art, museums, movies, hotels, and concerts;Â
- Eager participants of many other activities open to the public!
In 2026, don't miss out on this profitable market! Let this be the year you ensure that your facility is physically inclusive, public events can be accessed by those with hearing or vision loss, websites are useable to all, and staff is trained to interact with all people, with or without disabilities.Â
Here are some resources to help you get started:Â
- ADA Checklists for Existing Facilities
- Customer Service for Business | ADA National Network
- Guidance on Web Accessibility and the ADA | ADA.gov
- State and Local Governments: First Steps Toward Complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act Title II Web and Mobile Application Accessibility Rule | ADA.gov
And don't forget that there are tax incentives for small businesses:Â