Let’s talk about the disability tax: the extra costs associated with being disabled.

I am a wheelchair user. I had a speaking engagement related to disability tonight. I needed to get downtown in NYC to get there.

The subway wasn’t an option because it’s inaccessible.

The bus wasn’t an option because I was in a time crunch.

So I tried to call a wheelchair accessible Uber, which is in and of itself a privilege to even have access to in NYC because it’s not a widely available option.

The cost would’ve been $83.

So I tried to use an app to call a taxi.

The cost would've been $68.

So I tried to hail a taxi off the street.

Why didn't I just do that to begin with?

Because even though there was a lawsuit against the NYC Taxi and Limousine Commission to make their fleet at least 50% accessible to wheelchair users, many taxi drivers refuse me service.

Tonight, I had to plead with 3 drivers who all had accessible taxis before one took me.

The first told me he was on a break and took someone else.

The second told me he didn't know how to use the ramp on his van.

The third reluctantly agreed.

The cost? $29.

Still way more expensive than public transit, but I was lucky to find a driver by hailing one this time. I saved $54 and finally managed to get to where I needed to go.

I’m often not so lucky and get stuck paying exorbitant prices to get a guaranteed wheelchair accessible ride.

If it's not essential to get where I'm going, there are times when I've just given up rather than paying the price.

This takes a toll emotionally and financially every time.

Now imagine having these extra costs hanging over you whenever you want to go anywhere. A doctor. A date. A job interview.

It can shut you out of basic engagement with the world around you, even though it's a matter of basic access.

This is the disability tax.