Accessibility Tips

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Seasonal Accessibility Tips

Barriers exist for people with disabilities year-round, but some of these barriers are increased at different times of the year. There are some simple things that we can do to reduce or eliminate barriers in our community and make the way safer for everyone.

Winter Accessibility Tips

As winter approaches, it becomes more difficult for people with disabilities to make their way around our communities. After a heavy snowfall, some people are housebound as they are unable to get through the snow in their wheelchairs or scooters, or it can be too slippery for someone who uses a walker or a cane. There are things that we can do to help clear the way so that the barriers are reduced and the environment is safer for everyone.

Sidewalks should be shoveled as soon as possible after a big snowfall, and sand or a pet-safe de-icer should be sprinkled onto icy areas to help prevent slips and falls.
Clearing the snow off your vehicle is not only law, but will ensure that you will be able to see properly when navigating local streets. People in wheelchairs are not always as visible to drivers as a wheelchair is typically closer to the ground than a pedestrian.
Vehicles blocking the sidewalk force some people with disabilities out onto the road temporarily, which is a safety concern.
Carpets inside doorways help to capture snow and ice off people’s boots and help to reduce slips and falls. Just make sure that the carpets are secure with a rubber backing or double-sided tape.
Be a good neighbour. Check in on your neighbors who might be housebound after a big storm.

Summer Accessibility Tips

Tree branches, shrubs and other vegetation can grow over sidewalks this time of year. They can cause serious harm to someone who is visually impaired or blind or who is in a wheelchair or uses a walker and is unable to move the branches out of their way.
Children's bicycles, scooters, sidewalk chalk and other toys left on the sidewalk can become a tripping hazard.
People with hearing disabilities might not hear you ring your bicycle bell, and may not move out of the way when you ring it - talk to your children about this.
Hoses across a sidewalk can become a tripping hazard for people with mobility issues, or who are visually impaired or blind.
Cars blocking the sidewalk force some people with disabilities out onto the road temporarily, which is a safety concern.

When we all work together our communities are safe and enjoyable for everyone.

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