The CRPD and the economic model of disability: undue burdens and invisible work

Human rights have become the dominant framework for understanding and resolving the marginalization of disabled people. Particularly since the 2007 introduction of the CRPD, many countries have formally adopted policies of ensuring equality by way of this framework. Nevertheless, socio-economic and political equality remain elusive. This article argues that part of the problem is the degree to which the human rights framework, through the principle of 'undue burdens', is compatible with an economic model of disability. In this model, full and equal participation for disabled people equates with the ability to perform socially valued roles, particularly in the field of work. This performance in turn requires a burden of invisible, i.e. unpaid and unrecognized work. The article develops the concept of invisible work in the context of disability studies, suggesting that it is an important analytical tool for identifying the shortcomings of the human rights and anti-discrimination framework. Unpaid and unacknowledged tasks that one 'has to do' in order to successfully participate in society amount to invisible work.The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and most anti-discrimination laws seek to avoid an 'undue burden' for society in the inclusion of disabled people.The principle of 'undue burdens' means that an unreasonable amount of invisible work continues to be imposed on disabled people, even in the framework of anti-discrimination.