The Disability Tax

Being disabled comes with costs that people without disabilities don't pay. It's not just the added cost of medications and medical visits, it's the additional cost of everyday life that only applies to disabled people. We call it the disability tax.

In Australia some disabled people are eligible for a companion card if they're unable to go to most places without assistance. The card allows a carer to accompany the person without buying a second ticket. Most movie theatres accept companion cards, but there are still plenty of places that don't. In those cases, you have to choose between paying twice or not going. Sometimes the hassle of getting a companion ticket is so great that it's nearly unusable. Many concerts and large events require calling for companion tickets. By the time you get through to someone tickets may be sold out. Sometimes all you get is a voice recording directing you to go online where companion card tickets are unavailable.

NDIS is available to some disabled people, but it doesn't cover everything. Vehicle modification or accessible vehicles generally aren't covered, even though having a usable car is something most people take for granted, especially in rural areas without buses or other accessible public transportation. Having to spend thousands of dollars on modifications or a specially accessible car (which cost more than average), is part of the disability tax.

Another example of the disability tax is delivery. For most people it's a convenience but for disabled people it's a necessity. When you're physically unable to get to a store, delivery is literally a life saver. Paying $15 per weekly grocery delivery adds up when you're unable to pick up your items yourself.

One study I found estimates that disabled people in Australia need to have disposable income 50% higher than those without disability.¹ Another study showed that Australians with mild or moderate disability needed an extra $87 per week above their 2015-16 income.² The disability tax is high. It's one more way that the world is less accessible for disabled people.

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¹https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/disability/people-with-disability-in-australia/contents/experiences-

²https://www.afdo.org.au/disability-support-pension/poverty-and-disability-fast-facts/