Ryan Lythall
Now that winter’s here this brings added issues for people with disabilities (PWD) in terms of getting around. While many of my friends and I are staying home due to COVID, there are still people venturing out, even if just for a change of scenery.
For years, I’ve heard many stories of people in wheelchairs, or using walkers, getting stuck in the snow and road salt. When that happens, we can’t call CAA to help us out. In those instances, all we can do is try to get ourselves out or hope that a kind stranger happens to walk by and helps us out. Both scenarios present their risks. Getting stuck outside in the winter can quickly become very dangerous for PWDs.
If a person using a manual wheelchair, or a walker, tries to pull themselves out, there’s a chance that they’ll injure themselves or aggravate their medical condition. Those in a powered wheelchair also run the risk of draining the battery or causing further damage to their chair. Having a dead or low battery isn’t going to help even if they do manage to free themselves. As for hoping that a kind stranger walks by, they may be out of luck, depending on their location.
Although it can melt ice, road salt can also be a serious hazard for wheelchair users. In my experience, road salt can get into wheels and prevent the wheel from turning. Depending on where it lands on the chair or wheel, it can also disengage the clutch, which would prevent a PWD from being able to drive their chair. And, if we get hit by salt from a passing vehicle, there’s also a risk that it will land on the wheels or inside the motor. Snow and salt also make pathways and sidewalks extremely bumpy.
And then there’s the issue of snow removal, or the lack thereof.
For as long as I can remember, the city has always seemed unprepared for the arrival of snow. Each year, city snow removal staff announce that they are ready but despite this, their efforts always seem to fall short.
When it comes to snow clearing, the city seems to focus on the main streets, which makes sense for those using cars or trucks, and for emergency vehicles. With cycling and other forms of transportation being encouraged, it’s time for the city to do a better job of clearing sidewalks, bike paths and parking lots. And the same thing goes for the NCC and their winter trails.
I understand that many people like to snowshoe or cross-country ski. But every winter trail made is one less path that people with disabilities can use. And this is especially true during Winterlude.
Each year, when Winterlude rolls around, I get angry. To me, the NCC is highly ableist. While people are walking around enjoying the ice sculptures, a PWD is struggling to even get into Confederation Park or Jacques Cartier Park due to snow and ice.
I haven’t been to Winterlude in many years. It’s way too bumpy for me and for my body, and I know that I’m far from being the only one. Winterlude may be fun for the whole family but not if a family member uses a wheelchair.
So to the City of Ottawa and the NCC, please do a better job of including people with disabilities in your snow removal efforts. While this isn’t the first time this issue has been raised, the question is: will this be the first time that something is done about it?
Happy 2022! I hope you all have a great year and that you all stay safe.
Follow Ryan on Twitter: @rolling_enigma