Unseen Costs: Navigating Student Debt and the Disability Tax in America

An artistic rendering of a wheelchair user in a cap and gown. His hands are clasped and he looks depressed. Above him, a chain link.

As we enter the final week of May, dedicated to highlighting mental health awareness, it's essential to discuss student loan debt and the "disability tax" — colloquially known as the Crip Tax.

This invisible tax represents the extra expenses incurred by those with disabilities, ranging from increased transportation costs and frequent medical appointments to accessible housing requirements and assistive technologies. According to the National Disability Institute, people with disabilities pay an extra $17,690 each year to maintain a similar standard of living as a household without a member with a disability. When combined with the burden of student loan repayment, the financial landscape becomes increasingly challenging.

An analysis from the U.S. Department of Education reveals a shocking truth — nearly one-third of borrowers hold student loan debt without possessing a degree. Research from the Education Data Initiative found that the average public university student borrows $31,410 to attain a bachelor’s degree. Moreover, the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) reports that the six-year graduation rate for students with disabilities at four-year colleges is 49.5%, compared to approximately 68% for students without disabilities.

Existing student loan forgiveness programs often overlook these hardships. The Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program, for instance, mandates a 10-year commitment to public service employment, a condition untenable for many.

Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) plans, though ostensibly beneficial, have inherent flaws. By concentrating on annual disposable income, these plans can impose disproportionate repayments on disabled borrowers with lower incomes. This issue becomes especially glaring when considering that the labor force participation rate for individuals with disabilities is 38.3%, with an unemployment rate of 7.0%. In contrast, the same statistics for people without a disability are 77.4% and 3.0% respectively according to the latest data from the U.S. Department of Labor.

The Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) discharge — a beacon of hope — fails to provide relief for all. Qualification is often a convoluted process, leaving many behind.

The pending Supreme Court case concerning widespread student loan forgiveness might not benefit many in our community. Why? Because it primarily centers on forgiveness that doesn't affect monthly payments for those of us still carrying debt. In contrast, IDR plans are designed to adjust loan payments based on income, with forgiveness occurring for most at the 25-year mark.

We urgently need further modifications to IDR plans. Calculations should include disability status and consider our elevated cost of living. Incorporating these added costs into the monthly payment formula could provide significant relief.

The weight of student loan debt should not disproportionately rest on our shoulders.

The Broken Promises of Accessible Travel: A First-Hand Perspective

An artistic rendering of a wheelchair user on an airplane, He sits in his chair in the main cabin. Head slightly down. Looking outside the window.

Today, I find myself echoing the eloquent Inigo Montoya from "The Princess Bride."

"Accessibility: You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means."

The prospect of spontaneously selecting a destination and embarking on a journey has never been feasible for me, whether it's a simple night out or a more extended travel. There's always a near-reflexive need for research, extensive planning and, unfortunately, a dose of apprehension about the journey ahead. An unavoidable question looms: "Will this trip be as disability-friendly as it claims to be?"

From the moment a trip idea sparks, anxiety follows.

A recent USA TODAY article by Zach Wichter underscored a disheartening truth: Progress for disabled travelers is not coming fast enough. According to the latest U.S. Department of Transportation data, airlines damage or otherwise mishandle about 1.5% of the mobility devices they transport each month. In 2022, that meant 11,389 incidents. It's essential to note these figures may not fully represent the issue, as not everyone reports their damage to the airline. When your legs are broken, the bureaucracy of filing paperwork may feel insurmountable.

Every trip brings with it the fear of damage to my wheelchair. More than a mobility device, it's an extension of myself, and much like Canine Companions® Pico, integral to my autonomy and freedom. The idea of it being damaged, lost or mishandled during a flight isn't unfounded, and no amount of in-flight entertainment can alleviate that anxiety.

Travel can be equally challenging for those with non-physical disabilities. As Heather Ansley from Paralyzed Veterans of America aptly said, “Air travel discriminates against just about every group of people with disabilities."

Fears extend beyond the flight.

Will the hotel room genuinely be wheelchair-accessible? I can't count how many times I've booked rooms purportedly adhering to ADA guidelines that I physically couldn't enter. Actuators are missing, doors are heavy, and I often lack the necessary space to maneuver through the doorway. The same quizzical response usually follows when I raise these issues to hotel management: "You know, that's a good point. We'll look into that!"

Then there's the enjoyment of the trip itself.

Can I navigate independently? What types of pathways are available? Will I be able to visit local attractions, or will I encounter insurmountable steps or broken elevators? When I inquire about accessibility, I'm asking, 'Can I navigate this by myself?' It's not a prelude to a joke about how many non-disabled people it takes for a disabled person to enjoy autonomy.

Accessibility isn't merely about adding ramps or widening doorways. It's about genuinely understanding and addressing the unique needs of each individual.

While it's encouraging to see progress — like Sen. Duckworth's proposed MOBILE Act—we are still far from where we need to be.

#GlobalAccessibilityAwarenessDay #Travel

Cruising Altitude: Progress for disabled travelers is not coming fast enough

Global Accessibility Awareness Day Part II

A collage of four photos that demonstrate different types of accessibility issues. 

Top left: A laptop with accessible features for web.

Top Right shows a cartoon series of individuals some wearing headphones for auditory processing challenges.

Bottom Left: A handful of people in a crowded space some are wearing masks for invisible disabilities 

Bottom Right is a series of steps leading up to a building demonstrating the need for elimination of physical barriers.

Happy Global Accessibility Awareness Day. As we celebrate let’s remember accessibility can take on many forms. When we make the world more accessible to all we make it more inclusive.

#GlobalAccessibilityAwarenessDay #Technology #DisabilityAwareness #Disability #GAAD2023 #GAAD

Global Accessibility Awareness Day 2023

A futuristic assistive tech concept art with sleek design, neon lights, holographic interface, personalized AI, and a user-friendly experience.

Global Accessibility Awareness Day may officially be two days away, but advocacy isn’t dictated by a calendar. As we prepare to celebrate, I am reminded of both the progress we've made and the challenges that remain.

Recently, a story in YourTango by Nia Tipton highlighted an all-too-familiar story of a disabled passenger who shared in a viral TikTok that she was forced to exit the plane without her mobility aids. Despite having made prior arrangements for wheelchair assistance, she was left stranded on her flight, forced to walk off the plane, tripped, fell, and eventually passed out due to the lack of necessary assistance. She was then rushed through the airport, berated, and made to feel like a burden.

This is not the world we should be living in. This is not the experience anyone should have to go through.

And yet, there is a glimmer of hope. CultofMac.com reports that this week, ahead of WWDC23 Apple previewed some of their upcoming features aimed at those with disabilities. Among these features are 'Live Speech' and 'Personal Voice', these tools allow people with disabilities to type what they want to say and have it spoken aloud, or to have their own speech transformed into clear, synthetic speech. In creating these features, Apple isn't just making their products more accessible; they are affirming our worth, our potential, and our place in the world.

While these advances in technology are promising, challenges persist. As Caroline Casey founder of the Valuable 500 writes in a recent Forbes piece, "Discrimination of people with disabilities is a protracted tale – but this should be a motivator or an opportunity to be accountable and take action." We need to address the systematic issues that continue to marginalize individuals with disabilities, particularly in the workplace.

The facts are stark. Recent research from the Valuable 500 shows that only 3% of leaders would speak out openly about their disability or caregiving role. When we consider that 1 in 4 has a disability, this is troubling. We need to make space for different perspectives, cultivate workplaces where employees are able to be their authentic selves. We need leaders who understand disability does not equate to inability and that our experiences, voices, and insights are not only necessary but also enriching. Companies looking to be more inclusive should look for more than a culture fit. They should strive for a culture add.

On this lead up to to Global Accessibility Awareness Day, let's remember that our journey toward creating an inclusive and equitable society for all, including people with disabilities, is ongoing. It’s not only about installing ramps and elevators or developing speech recognition software—it's about fostering respect, empathy, and understanding. It's about acknowledging that disability is not a deficit but simply a different way of experiencing the world.

How AI Can Make Disabled People Stronger Advocates

Recently, a neighbor in my apartment complex became increasingly irate anytime Canine Companions® Pico and I would pass her door. She claimed his incidental shedding as we walked past was done intentionally, and she didn't appreciate his ruining her welcome mat, which she had placed in a public hallway. Her disdain became so pervasive she was unwilling to engage in civil discourse.

When I raised my concerns with the property manager, I was met with the suggestion that I relocate if we couldn't find a "peaceful solution." It was a frustrating and exhausting experience.

I went into advocacy mode. I knew the laws. I knew I could address the situation from the perspective of the ADA, housing laws, and even state fire codes. But I just didn't have the energy. I thought briefly about dropping the issue completely, but I knew that would be to my detriment as the situation was ongoing.

And then it came to me: AI is my friend.

I turned to AI to craft a letter to my leasing office, documenting our meeting, their response, and the concerns I still had. I worked with the AI in much the same way I would engage with a friend or colleague at first. Imagine explaining what happened to them over text. I didn't think about it too much. I simply documented what happened as best I could without being overly concerned with whether I was doing it "right."

As I progressed, I wanted something with a bit more force, something harder for management to dismiss. So I tweaked my approach. I asked the AI to cite relevant local laws that might strengthen my position. Almost instantly, I was presented with research pertaining to building safety, means of egress, and fire codes, as well as a bit of legal language.

No system is perfect, and I still did my due diligence in verifying the accuracy; nothing will ever replace the human element and the lived experiences that shape advocacy work. But I had a very strong foundation in record time. The hours and aggravation saved, the research placed right in front of me in the blink of an eye? I couldn't help but think of the old Mastercard commercial.

Comcast Internet: $50 a month

Subscription to ChatGPT-4: $20 a month

Energy saved as AI helps you advocate? Priceless.

AI is the ultimate life hack, and I can't wait to see what's next. This technology is here, and used wisely, can be the ultimate energy saver. Yes, it's only as good as its inputs and the questions we ask, but that is the very nature of the human brain too. When we ask better questions, we get better answers. By leveraging these technologies, disabled people can continue to do the advocacy that fuels us without feeling burnt out by the nitty-gritty. For those just starting on their advocacy journey, the playing field is instantly leveled. The question isn't "Should we be using this technology?" Rather, the focus should be on how.

The Importance of Disability Representation in Fashion

Three models wearing adaptive SKIMS clothing

"Taylor Lindsay-Noel says her “jaw dropped” after seeing the clip, which has been making its rounds on social media this week. “Disabled people are here to stay, whether you want them to be here or not,” she said in a TikTok directed to [Candace] Owens. “And we deserve to be seen in all forms of media, including lingerie and shapewear.”
—Natalie Michie, FASHION Magazine

In the wake of recent comments from political commentator Candace Owens deriding SKIMS for their recent ad campaign promoting adaptive clothing, I became instantly frustrated and annoyed before quickly turning my mind to curiosity. Whenever someone attacks diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, one of my primary questions becomes, why?

Owens openly and proudly detesting these efforts as “ridiculous” is an indicator of just how far we have to go. People are fearful either of what they don’t understand, or what threatens them. To view DEI efforts as tiresome, patronizing, and being taken too far, as Owens does, is a tacit admission of privilege. The very idea that disability is something to be prioritized, placed front and center with pride and joy, to be celebrated and appreciated, must make someone as narrow-minded as Candace Owens fearful.

Ableism is not new. The disabled community confronts it in our daily lives whether it’s an inaccessible environment, questioning our capabilities in the workplace, or general derisive comments. What has increased in recent years is the brazenness by those in positions of power who publicly mock our right to exist as we are and not be ashamed for it. Candace Owens is a symptom of systemic ableism, she is not the cause.

Additionally, we have brands like Levi Strauss & Co., who late last week announced a partnership with Lalaland.ai, a digital fashion studio to bring AI-generated models to their modeling campaigns in an effort to increase diversity. While Amy Gershkoff Bolles, Ph.D. Bolles, global head of digital and emerging technology strategy at Levi Strauss & Co.noted that AI would ‘likely’ never fully replace human models, the caveat alone is concerning. AI-generated imagery aimed at the disability population certainly has the potential to increase revenue, but doing so artificially while claiming to champion DEI as a “top priority” is disingenuous. I’m reminded of the 2022 campaign by Pottery Barn last summer that proudly introduced its Accessible Home furniture line without employing any disabled models.

Despite what Candace Owens, or the marketing team at Levi Strauss & Co. has to say, disabled people aren’t going anywhere. As 20% of the global population, we deserve to see ourselves everywhere, and compensated accordingly. If that creates discomfort for you, interrogate why.

I’m thankful to the many disability advocates who continue to call out the harmful impact of ableism.

Carson Briére apologizes for damaging wheelchair after 'disturbing video' surfaces

Mercyhurst Lakers center Carson Briére just went viral for all the wrong reasons. (AP Photo)

“It might seem like nothing more than immature, drunken behaviour, but what Briere and his friends did is a frightening example of complete disregard for the humanity of disabled people,” Emily Ladau told Yahoo Sports Canada. “As a wheelchair user, even when I'm not physically sitting in it, I consider my chair an extension of my body. Damaging my wheelchair means you're disrespecting me and taking away my freedom of movement. The issue here isn't just damaged property or bad choices; it's that ableism, privilege, and entitlement are on full display.”
-Ian Kennedy, Yahoo Sports

This story about Carson Briére, student athlete at Mercyhurst University and son of Philadelphia Flyers interim GM Daniel Briére, is beyond disturbing. Not only is the ableism and entitlement on full display, so is the complete disregard for autonomy. Wheelchairs are expensive medical equipment costing thousands of dollars and can take upward of a year to obtain depending on fitting, measurements, insurance denials, etc.

I've watched this video several times in disbelief. I was shaking with fear not only for the user whose wheelchair was so callously disrespected, but also with the stark reminder that this could have happened to me. This is a nightmare for every wheelchair user who has been forced to navigate inaccessible environments.

Emily is right. Our medical equipment be it a wheelchair, a cane, a scooter, or a service dog like Canine Companions® Pico are extensions of us and our body. Through that lens, this is beyond the destruction of property. This is assault. Briére's actions have caused a loss of bodily autonomy that may take months to regain along with the financial and emotional impact.

The laws have not caught up yet, however.

This experience highlights so many injustices; inaccessibility, ableism, privilege, entitlement and a lack of empathy and understanding around disability.

#disabilityawareness #disabilityrights #disability #medicalequipment #sports #hockey #flyers

Is Long COVID Considered to Be a Disability in the Workplace?

Thank you Brandi Fowler and LinkedIn News for the opportunity to talk about the affects of Long Covid in the workplace and its impact on the disability community. These are important conversations and folks living with Long Covid should be aware of their rights under the ADA.

#WorkplaceCulture #ReasonableAccomodations #Covid #Disabilities #DisabilityRights #DisabilityAdvocate #Disability #LongCovid #LinkedinNews

https://lnkd.in/ev2vqFBv

How The Twitter Layoffs Affect The Disability Community

The Twitter Logo with the quote “Twitter can not become the de facto Town Square Musk envisions at the expense of the accessibility that once made it great.” Attributed to Ryan Honick

If users want to emphasize how important the continued prioritization of accessibility actually is, we need to lean into one of the best parts about Twitter: how easy it makes it to amplify a cause.
-Alexa Heinrich, Adweek

For many disabled activists, Twitter has long been a place to connect, amplify, and create change. I owe much to a platform that allowed all of that to happen. Conversations with one-time virtual strangers turned into lifelong friends and allies, virtually and otherwise. The platform was never perfect, and detractors abound, but advocacy always faces pushback. Still, Twitter served as an important space where many found community and support as well as a direct line to key influencers; from journalists and brands to celebrities. Twitter was the first social network where it seemed accessibility was its foundation—in more ways than one.

Prior to layoffs, The Accessibility Experience Team was working on myriad projects focused on improving the user experience. For folks with visual disabilities, the team revamped its icons and automated reminders for the use of alt-text. The deaf community saw improvements with captions, and for those with sensory sensitivities Twitter updated its app sounds.

Unfortunately, all of that progress is poised to stop as Musk looks for ways to improve profitability following a number of high-profile advertisers rethinking their relationship with the platform. Companies including General Mills, Oreo company maker Mondelēz International and Pfizer Inc., have temporarily paused their Twitter advertising, according to The Wall Street Journal.

That pressure, coming from groups like Color Of Change, Free Press, the Anti-Defamation League, and GLAAD is the result of Musk haphazardly cutting teams dedicated to diversity, equity, inclusion, and access.

“We are witnessing the real-time destruction of one of the world’s most powerful communications systems,” Nicole Gill director of Accountable Tech told MarketWatch.

Sandra Sucher, a professor of management at Harvard University, told The New York Times Twitter’s cuts were among the most poorly handled that she had seen.

Speaking at an investment conference in New York Friday, Musk said: “Our goal is with Twitter, how do we get 80% of the public to join a digital town square and voice their opinion and exchange ideas and once in a while change their mind?”

With his latest actions, Musk is deliberately leaving out the 20% of the population with disabilities, setting Twitter up to become yet another inaccessible space where disabled people find ourselves unwelcome. Twitter can not become the de facto Town Square Musk envisions at the expense of the accessibility that once made it great.

Return to Office Policies Will Hurt The Disabled Workforce

The quote "No employee should be forced to choose between career advancement and their health where an accommodation exists to mitigate roadblocks." in all caps white lettering behind a faded background of a workstation with a chair and laptop.

“Remote work and remote-work options are something that our community has been advocating for for decades, and it’s a little frustrating that for decades corporate America was saying it’s too complicated, we’ll lose productivity, and now suddenly it’s like, sure, let’s do it,” said Charles-Edouard CATHERINE, director of corporate and government relations for the National Organization on Disability.
—Ben Casselman, The New York Times

A global pandemic made telework necessary. Nobody thought twice about it once the non-disabled workforce was threatened. At USPTO, an agency renowned for its telework program, I was initially asked to provide additional medical documentation in support of my request to modify my telework schedule as the pandemic emerged. Only after the pandemic was declared a national emergency was that request deemed superfluous.

Remote work remains a major victory for the disabled community and we are grateful for the attitudinal shift. As the New York Times points out, the increase in telework is a boon for disabled workers. A newly released study led by Adam Ozimek, Chief Economist at the Economic Innovation Group, found more than 35 percent of disabled Americans ages 18 to 64 had jobs in September. That was up from 31 percent just before the pandemic and is a record in the 15 years the government has kept track.

As long COVID continues to impact the workforce, telework represents a vital support system of opportunity. There were 1.05 million more disabled working-age Americans in August 2022 compared to January 2020, according to data compiled by Richard Deitz, an economist at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, Axios reports.

However, despite the enormous win of telework, societally, we have short memories. The return to office efforts many companies are pushing highlights the all-too-pervasive ableist attitudes of many employers. The recent The Wall Street Journal article “The New Rules For Getting Face Time at the Office” notes that while adjustments are being made to accommodate the hybrid nature of pandemic work, there remains an unfair advantage for in-office workers.

“It’s all about being more salient in the boss’s mind,” Jeffrey Pfeffer professor of organizational behavior at Stanford University Graduate School of Business, told WSJ. “Whether it’s fair, you’re increasing your chances of landing high-profile assignments, raises and promotions, simply because your name pops into the heads of those making decisions.”

This divide ultimately leads to disabled employees feeling like second-class citizens in our own jobs. No employee should be forced to choose between career advancement and their health where an accommodation exists to mitigate roadblocks. Leadership needs to make concerted efforts to engage employees and provide equal opportunity regardless of where the work is being done.