Eliminating economic and social status barriers

Breaking the vicious cycle

Statistics show that disabled people have lower levels of educational attainment, lower employment incomes and higher unemployment rates than the general population. This is presented in Table A.

Table A: the economic and social status of disabled people compared to non-disabled people

	Disabled people	Non-disabled people
Income less than $15,000	56%	40%
Working age (15-64) adults not in paid employment	60%	30%
No formal education qualifications	39%	24%

Source: New Zealand Disability Survey 2001, Statistics New Zealand

Low incomes

Many disabled people not in paid work rely on income assistance (usually from ACC, Work and Income benefits, or superannuation). Others are supported by partners. Additional disability-related expenses often consume income and erode the standard of living.

Reduced opportunities

Disabled people have fewer opportunities to improve their economic standing. A lower economic status creates a less visible social profile and contributes to further marginalisation.

Unmet health needs

The New Zealand Disability Survey 2001 shows a higher rate of unmet health needs than for the general population, and a high rate of health problems overall.

Social isolation

Disabled people often find themselves in a vicious cycle. Low economic status affects people’s ability to maintain good health and participate socially in their communities. Research also shows that people without supportive social relationships are susceptible to health problems. All people need and have a right to social, recreational and cultural experiences, activities and relationships. But disabled people may have limited access to these experiences, and consequently they can become socially isolated. This social isolation both contributes to and is caused by health problems and low economic status.

Overcoming multiple disadvantages

Policy makers must consider these current realities for disabled people when they devise effective and relevant policies. They must also consider how to facilitate the break up of the vicious cycle that the combination of isolation, low economic status and less visible social status, can bring to a person’s life.

Consider initiatives in your policy area that provide economic or social opportunities. Ensure these are accessible to disabled people.