Winter Weather Creates Extra Challenges for People with Disabilities

Snow” by Herry Lawford licensed under CC BY 2.0

Source: WUWM

It is no secret that cold weather is sometimes unbearable for anyone, regardless of whether they have a disability or not. But there is an extra added barrier for people with disabilities when they are navigating the streets during snowy seasons.

In Milwaukee, snow-covered sidewalks make getting through or going down curbs impossible for people on wheelchairs. This is likely a problem that can be seen in my many regions of the country where snowy streets are unattended for long periods of time. But in most cases, city officials should be on top of hiring people to shovel the snow, especially if the weather has calmed.

“It’s not like it’s a fresh snowfall, which I can kind of understand that. Like if it just fell there’s not time to clear everything. But we haven’t had a big snowfall in at least a few days where I think it should be cleared by now,” said William Crowley of Milwaukee, who uses an electric wheelchair to get around, as reported by WUWM.

This problem is particularly compounded for disabled persons living in regions where public transportation is sparse or unavailable, because then they are truly reliant on their own wheelchairs or family and friends to drive them.

Though extreme weather conditions have taken many regions across the U.S. by surprise this year, it is still the city’s job to take matters into their hands and tend to snow-covered public sidewalks as quickly as possible.

Read Full Story: WUWM

Justice & Poverty, News
Justice & Poverty, News