The Disability Tax: The Hidden Burden People with Disabilities and Chronic Illnesses Face Every Day

• In Event: 343 - Section on Medical Sociology Roundtables (one-hour)
  In Refereed Roundtable: Table 13. Chronic Health Conditions

Abstract

The Disability Tax is a model that addresses strains arising from disability. People with disabilities face hidden burdens, particularly revolving around their health, and financial hardships in addition to the “normal” challenges faced by all members of society. A theoretical and operational model, the Disability Tax can be used to situate disability in broader social structures that shape individuals’ access to resources. The Disability Tax can be used to highlight how processes affect individuals’ disability(ies) and health trajectories. At the center of the Disability Tax is the Resource Wheel. The Resource Wheel spins positively or negatively depending on how a social structure and disability(ies) influence an individual’s ability to access and use linked material, social, internal, and health resources. The Disability Tax and Resource Wheel Model has been designed to be utilized in cross-sectional or longitudinal studies. It can be employed to make comparisons across social structures and disabilities to allow for broad and specific examinations of how societies and individuals deal with disability. The Disability Tax and Resource Wheel Model can serve as a tool for medical sociologists and policy makers to identify and highlight burdens people with disabilities encounter every day that shape their welfare and health.

Author

• Sarah Shick, Case Western Reserve University