France
Germany
Italy
Spain
Netherlands
Belgium (French)
Belgium (Dutch)
Ireland
Czechia
A study carried out by the disability charity Scope UK, has shown that disabled people spend an average of £570 more per month than their non-disabled counterparts. This increased spend is largely attributed to the need for mobility products.
Mobility Devices
One of the main extra costs is a wheelchair or similar device, which is essential for the person to get about. Wheelchairs can be provided by the NHS, but they are often not suitable as they’re basic models. Some people’s application for a chair can also be declined. The original purchase price, plus repairs and up-keep can amount to a big outgoing.
Living Costs
The cost of housing is often more expensive as it must be fully accessible. This usually requires ground-level, one storey buildings with larger rooms – all of which put the costs up. This is particularly true in high-demand areas such as student towns and cities, where a lot of the accommodation is designed specifically to make the most use of small spaces – rather than creating spacious living conditions, suitable for all.
Transport
Many public transport options can be unsuitable for several reasons. For example, the lack of accessible platforms and a lack of assistance staff, limits these travel options for many disabled people. Student, Piers Wilkinson, states how he is forced to ‘spend about £400 a month on taxis to get around town and make it to his lectures’. He said,
“Travel costs are increased due to the unreliability of public transport, the nature of hills in North Wales and the location of my lectures. I have to spend about £400 a month on taxis just to get around”
“Travel costs are increased due to the unreliability of public transport, the nature of hills in North Wales and the location of my lectures. I have to spend about £400 a month on taxis just to get around”
Limited Income
These costs mount up on a daily basis and with benefits being reduced, work being difficult to find and the general cost of living increasing – some disabled people are struggling to make ends meet. This can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness, as they may struggle to socialise with their peers due to financial limitations.
Although we can’t generalise people’s feelings and situations, the availability of benefits and grants that disabled people receive (or have received in the past), is invaluable. It ensures a good standard of living is available for all.
