United Spinal Warns Against Unshoveled Curb Ramps
With yesterday’s record snow fall on the Northeast, United Spinal Association, a national disability group, urges the community to keep sidewalks and curb ramps that are at the corners of each block clear of snow and debris for trouble-free access for individuals using wheelchairs.
“Using a wheelchair gives our members freedom,” stated Terence Moakley, Associate Executive Director and member of United Spinal, “and the ability to use a curb ramp at a street intersection or another pedestrian crosswalk provides us the freedom to move around the community. However, a few inches of unshoveled snow on a curb ramp, or at the top and bottom of it, robs us of our freedom to get around during winter.”
In most cities, homeowners are responsible for clearing snow and ice from the sidewalk in front of their property. If you fail to clear the sidewalk in your city’s designated time limit, you may be given a fine. It is also widely suggested that using rock salt to melt ice, or kitty litter, can provide temporary traction when applied on snow. If you have any complaints about uncleared sidewalks after Monday, please refer to your local public service agency.
“Curb ramps have not only provided access for wheelchair users but have also had a great impact on those who are older, who have difficulty stepping up and down, those who push wheeled carts or strollers, ride bikes or roller skates,” concluded Moakley.
Since its founding in 1946, United Spinal has worked to enable its members, as well as other persons with disabilities, to lead full and productive lives. In addition to helping write the American with Disabilities Act, United Spinal was also instrumental in drafting portions of the Fair Housing Amendments Act and the Air Carrier Access Act. United Spinal promotes compliance with these laws and educates the public about them through publications and workshops held across the United States. Membership in the Association is free and open to all people with spinal cord disabilities. For more information, please visit call 800-404-2898.