This years snowstorm brought upon excellent opportunities to enjoy fresh and homemade ice-cream, along with the fun of tobogganing with friends and family. There is joy and beauty in watching the snowfall and spending some serious time binge watching romance with new episodes from Bridgerton and Heated Riverly. But let’s face it, snowstorms are a pain for all of us to deal with after the fun is done. For disabled people based in Toronto and the GTA (Greater Toronto Area), it has been difficult to leave their homes after the recent weather events, with over 89.4 cm of snow just in January.
Advocates like Taylor Lindsay-Noel, Spencer West, and Maayan Ziv have been raising their concerns about accessibility issues created by the snow (and it’s removal) for people using mobility devices, strollers, elderly people, and anyone else avoiding icy injuries.
“Disabled people don’t disappear in the winter, so why does our access?”
Does Snow Affect Accessibility?
Long story short, the answer is yes. In his social media post, Spencer West outlines how the snow affects accessibility for him as a manual wheelchair user.
He is unable to use his wheelchair. The sidewalks are not accessible for him, therefore public transportation is not either. Driving is also not a safe option during these weather conditions.
Unfortunately, disabled people are trapped indoors for several days after a snowstorm every year. This can have a negative impact on their daily lives with more common scenarios of not being able to go outside and get some Vitamin D, having to reschedule appointments, missing classes or work, struggling to get groceries, feelings of loneliness and much more.
How Can You Help?
Snow removal isn’t be just about efficiency – it’s also about safety and independence. Our CEO and Founder, Maayan Ziv, shares more about her lived experience navigating winter barriers in this interview with CBC, shedding light on why accessibility cannot be an afterthought when it comes to snow clearance.
Accessibility benefits everyone, and there are ways to help during and after snowstorms:
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Call 311: Hundreds of city workers are working hard to clear snow, but gaps still exist. If you notice sidewalks, curb cuts, transit stops, or entrances that haven’t been cleared, calling 311 helps bring attention to areas that need immediate action.
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Check in on your community: A quick text or call can make a big difference. Reach out to friends, neighbours, or community members, especially those who may be navigating additional barriers.
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Lend a hand if you can: If you have a shovel, consider clearing a neighbour’s sidewalk, driveway, or nearby curb cut. These small actions can be the difference between someone being able to leave their home or being stuck indoors.
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Advocate: Snow removal helps everyone – people using mobility devices, seniors, parents with strollers, delivery workers, and anyone trying to avoid an icy fall.
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