Disability costs in Ontario 39 per cent higher, new research reveals

Franklyn McFadden faces the significant expense of repairing his $15,000 wheelchair, a burden he must cover himself.  

According to CBC News, it’s just one of many additional costs that come with living with a disability. 

“I didn't choose to be a person in a wheelchair, and I don't profess to enjoy the fact that I have to use one,” he said. 

New research from Wellesley Institute reveals that living with a disability in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) costs 39 percent more for those aiming to live a healthy, engaged life compared to individuals without disabilities.  

The study highlights that thriving as a single, working-age adult with a mild to moderate physical or mental health disability can cost up to $81,000 annually in Toronto. For those without a disability, the cost is around $62,000. In Mississauga, the costs for people with disabilities are even higher, reaching up to $116,000 per year. 

“I thought the information was quite bang on,” said McFadden, who also believes that “not all of the costs associated with having a disability have been appropriately addressed.” 

Christine Sheppard, a researcher at Wellesley Institute, explained that people with disabilities face additional costs in several areas of life.  

“We learned that people with disabilities have extra needs in all aspects of their health, but there were particularly extra costs in food and nutrition, transportation, housing, social participation, and saving for the future,” she said.  

The institute gathered estimates through consultations with 39 people living with disabilities, along with price data from major stores and national expenditure surveys. The research considered various factors such as rent, insurance, transportation, accessibility aids, and grocery services to calculate these costs. 

Wellesley Institute noted that its figures serve as a guide, not exact personal spending, as individuals have varying needs. The research also found that people with disabilities tend to retire earlier, leading to greater retirement savings needs.  

With around eight million Canadians living with disabilities, Sheppard emphasized that “when people don't have access to the resources that they need to live a good life, they have to make choices that compromise their health.” 

McFadden understands the challenges of making such compromises. He recalls times when financial hardship forced him to opt for fast food, as it was cheaper and more accessible.  

“If we want to start anywhere, we need to give people adequate resources to at least lift them out of poverty,” he said. “We don't choose the lives that we live. We just want to make the best choices and the best attempts at living the good life.”