And they don't even have snow in Los Angeles....

David over at Growing Up with a disability writes a thought provoking post about how difficult it was for him to get around after a snowfall.

He writes about how getting around is essential to his independence and how he felt let down by his town when he could not access curb cuts and the like because services like snow removal were not done.

He makes a very important point - one that I have encountered many times over the years - which is that those of us who depend on accessible , barrier- free environments require them to be that way even if maintenance must be done. We cannot live our lives properly if we have to wait around for days for snow to melt! How can we get to appointments or fulfill our responsibilities in our jobs or as students if we can't get around?

I recall one year where I ventured downtown a few days after a snowstorm. I was crossing the street when I realized that the curb cut was not shoveled-and I swerved to avoid being hit by a car that came too close after I couldn't get up on the sidwalk in my wheelchair. The momentum knocked me out of my chair and I fell onto a parking meter.

All I could think of as I hit the ground was an image of being splayed across the metal meter for all to see in the local paper. Not a good look.

Luckily I wasn't injured. A passing student helped me back into my wheelchair. I couldn't get around well enough to run my errands, however, and in addition to my dignity being damaged, I returned home cold, wet and angry at the failure of my town to do simple snow removal.

So, thanks David , for raising this issue - this time of year it's a good reminder for all of us to continue to make others aware of their duty to remove the snow - and to enforce the local laws when it isn't done in a timely manner if necessary.