Economic Model of Disability

The economic model of disability views disability primarily in terms of productivity and financial impact. In this model, disability is considered in relation to work capacity, economic contribution, and cost to systems such as healthcare, insurance, and social support.

The focus is not on personal tragedy or medical treatment, but on economic efficiency and labour participation.

The core idea of the economic model

The economic model assumes that:

• Disability affects an individual’s ability to participate in the workforce
• Impairments influence productivity
• Systems must evaluate cost, benefit, and resource allocation
• Inclusion is often justified through economic reasoning

Disability is framed as an economic variable within labour markets and social systems.

How this model influences thinking

The economic model has influenced:

• Employment policy
• Workplace accommodation systems
• Social insurance structures
• Cost-benefit analyses of accessibility

It often appears in arguments such as:

• "Accessibility increases market reach."
• "Inclusive design reduces long-term costs."
• "Accessible products improve ROI."

In accessibility discussions, economic reasoning is frequently used to secure leadership support.

Strengths of the economic model

The economic model can:

• Provide practical justification for accessibility investment
• Highlight the business case for inclusion
• Support sustainable funding decisions
• Encourage long-term thinking

For many organisations, economic framing makes accessibility more actionable.

Limitations in accessibility contexts

However, the economic model can:

• Reduce inclusion to financial calculation
• Prioritise profitability over equity
• Frame accessibility as worthwhile only if it produces a measurable return
• Exclude people whose needs are seen as "too costly"

Accessibility grounded solely in economics risks becoming conditional. Inclusion should not depend only on profitability.

Example in digital design

Economic-model thinking might lead to statements like:

• "Accessibility expands our customer base."
• "Accessible design reduces support costs."

These arguments are valid and often persuasive.

However, if accessibility is justified only through financial return, commitment may weaken when budgets tighten.

A more sustainable approach combines economic reasoning with responsibility and equity.

Relationship to other models

The economic model intersects with:

• The social model, when discussing structural barriers to employment
• The human rights model, when considering equal participation
• The medical model, in relation to work capacity assessments

Unlike rights-based approaches, the economic model evaluates disability primarily through productivity and cost.

Why this matters in accessibility

Economic arguments are powerful in organisational contexts.

They can help:

• Secure leadership support
• Justify accessibility investments
• Integrate accessibility into business strategy

However, accessibility should not depend solely on cost–benefit calculations.

A mature approach recognises both economic value and ethical responsibility.

Summary

The economic model views disability through the lens of productivity and financial impact.

While economic reasoning can strengthen the case for accessibility, inclusion should not depend only on profitability.

In digital accessibility, economic arguments can support action, but responsibility must remain central.