In Toronto, as winter brings bone-chilling cold and record snowfall, 68-year-old David Lepofsky faces challenges navigating the icy streets due to his blindness. The retired lawyer, disability rights advocate, and part-time professor is calling for better snow removal practices to support individuals with disabilities like himself.
Lepofsky, who is actively involved in advocating for disability rights through the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, emphasizes the need for municipalities to prioritize accessibility, especially during severe weather events. He highlights the difficulties faced by individuals with mobility issues when essential pathways remain snow-covered, hindering their daily activities and access to necessary services.
Rabia Khedr, the national director of Disability Without Poverty, echoes Lepofsky’s concerns, emphasizing the importance of identifying and addressing barriers faced by people with disabilities, particularly in emergency situations. She calls on cities to implement programs that offer snow removal services for individuals with disabilities, ensuring their safety and mobility during winter storms.
Both Lepofsky and Khedr stress the critical role of proactive snow clearing and accessibility measures in supporting the overall well-being of individuals with disabilities. They urge municipalities to take concrete actions, such as registering addresses for priority snow removal and encouraging property owners to clear sidewalks, to enhance the accessibility and safety of communities for all residents.