Research shows it costs as much as 39 per cent more
TORONTO (October 1, 2024) – It’s no surprise to hear that people living with a disability have distinct needs. Now, research by Wellesley Institute is showing the cost of thriving in the Greater Toronto Area with a disability – not just surviving – can cost as much as 39 per cent more than thriving without a disability.
In Toronto, living a healthy, engaged life as a single, working-age adult with a mild to moderate physical or mental health disability can cost as much as $81,000, compared to $62,000 without a disability. In Mississauga, it’s even more expensive: as much as $116,000 with a disability versus $84,000 without one.
“Everyone deserves to thrive, and this is the first research to identify the components and costs of doing so with a disability,” says lead researcher, Christine Sheppard. “Thriving is not just having your basic needs met. It includes engaging with your community, learning, and ensuring your long-term financial security.”
Wellesley Institute’s research – which included interviews and focus groups with disability advocates and people with lived experience – found people living with a disability often have higher costs for housing, transportation, healthcare, personal care and food and nutrition. Because people with a disability often retire at an earlier age, they also have higher retirement savings needs.
“More than eight million Canadians – almost one million Torontonians – live with a disability that impacts their daily activities, and unfortunately, mounting evidence shows they are not thriving,” says Sheppard.
According to Statistics Canada, the median after-tax income of Ontario adults with a disability was only $40,000 in 2022. A minimum-wage worker in Ontario earns $17.20 an hour, or just $31,000 a year.
“When people do not have the resources they need to thrive, it hurts their health,” says Jesse Rosenberg, Director of Policy at Wellesley Institute. “Canadians living with a disability need more to achieve the equitable health outcomes they deserve. Action by governments, employers and all of society is urgently needed to support their good health and benefit us all.”
About the report
Thriving in the City with a Disability: What does it cost to live a healthy life? is the latest in a series of Thriving in the City reports by Wellesley Institute. This report identifies and costs out nine categories of goods, services and resources needed to achieve good health and well-being in Toronto and Mississauga when living with a mild to moderate physical or mental health disability. The categories are food and nutrition, housing, transportation, physical activity, social participation, personal care, healthcare, professional development and saving for the future. Read the full report.
See the full package of downloadable infographics. This package includes graphics on how the costs of the thriving with a disability in Toronto and Mississauga compare to thriving without a disability.
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About Wellesley Institute
Wellesley Institute works in research and policy to improve health and health equity in the GTA through action on the social determinants of health. Visit us at wellesleyinstitute.com.
For more information or to arrange interviews:
Judy Noordermeer
judy.noordermeer@wellesleyinstitute.com
647-830-9024