FIRMS should think of improving disability access before the London 2012 Paralympics as a way of boosting business, ministers said.

Disabled People Minister Maria Miller said: “The 2012 Games provide a powerful opportunity for the private sector to reach out to disabled customers, counter disability stereotypes and showcase their equality credentials.

“Disabled consumers are a significant proportion of the UK consumer market and businesses could be missing up to a 20 per cent of the market by not reaching out to them.”

Disabled consumers are an often-overlooked market worth £40-£80 billion annually, according to the report – 2012 Legacy for Disabled People: Inclusive and Accessible Business – jointly commissioned by the Business Department and the Office for Disability Issues.

One million disabled visitors are expected for the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.