The most significant obstacle for people with disabilities during winter

The most significant obstacle for people with disabilities during winter is the sheer ignorance of those who refuse to salt or shovel snow from sidewalks and parking lots.

In many cities, residents are given eight hours after a snowfall to clear snow and ice. A more effective policy would mandate that by 8 AM, landlords, homeowners, and anyone responsible for a sidewalk or parking lot must begin clearing snow and ice. The primary cause of winter injuries is negligence.

If you see a parking lot or sidewalk that hasn't been properly cleared, report it to the city so the property owner can be fined. The era of tolerating these winter barriers is over. If you fall or injure yourself on someone's property, contact a lawyer immediately. Only when people are penalized for their inaction will they start to take our needs seriously and remove these barriers that many with disabilities face during winter.

The biggest flaw in my city is that when you file a complaint against a property owner, you must provide your name and number, and there's no guarantee the property owner won't find out and retaliate. During winter, anonymous tips should be allowed without requiring personal information, especially when it can result in someone getting a fine.

If property owners are aware that the city won't enforce snow and ice removal bylaws, what incentive do they have to comply?” Sadly, in many communities, people with disabilities are forced into hibernation during winter due to others' inaction.

All property owners need to step up and commit to proper snow and ice removal during the wintertime. Where I live, the parking lot will be a sheet of ice, while a business across the street will be completely cleared of snow and ice. That's what all properties should look like.