Trapped by walls of white

[Forkboy]

For the disabled and for seniors, an unshoveled walk is more than an annoyance — it is a barrier to life



The stairs outside the Ruggles MBTA station had been shoveled, a nice clean path straight down the middle. That’s why Stacy Hart couldn’t use them.

To make the path, the snow had been moved to the sides, blocking access to the handrails. For Hart, who has cerebral palsy, that meant the stairs might as well have been a wall.

As snowstorm has chased snowstorm through the winter, the smallest details have made the difference between mobility and entrapment for many seniors and the disabled.

It is a problem of simple awareness, or unawareness, many advocates say; the shoveling is done by the able-bodied, and they often make the incorrect assumption that what is passable for them is passable for all.

http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2011/01/29/needs_of_seniors_disabled_often_ignored_in_storm_cleanup_efforts/

[nadinbrzezinski]

1. Oh so true

I always suggested that people try to live a day on crutches during the summer, and then try to imagine winter, and crutches are the "easiest"

[canetoad]

2. Good post Forkboy

Hope yer arm/shoulder heals. Can you please wish the same for my dog's cruciate ligament!

I've been involved in projects and focus groups that dissect disabled access to major city locations such as landmarks, shops, facilities etc.

The main point that came from these excercises was that people with a disability first need to GET WHERE THEY ARE GOING. There is little point in say, a shopping plaza having the best disabled access in the world if folks cannot get there in the first place.

[Forkboy]

8. I certainly can wish the same for your furry friend.

:)

[gateley]

3. I am crying -- not just a tear trickling down -- crying. This just breaks my heart. nt

[Odin2005]

4. This shit is why folks like a friend of mine, who has CP, have to have caregiving staff.

:grr:

[alittlelark]

5. Thank You for reminding us.

The last time I had to think about logistics for a family member was the late 90's.

[emilyg]

6. kick

[Whoa_Nelly]

7. +1

“And we can do the same with shoveling, create a new social norm.’’

And a more aware, compassionate social norm....

:hi: FbvFb ;)

[Forkboy]

9. ...

Do I know you? ;)