Pittsburgh disability community seeks help with snow removal

The Pittsburgh Center for Disability Justice has called on the community to help clear snow from sidewalks and curb cuts, highlighting the challenges faced by the disability community in Pittsburgh. “We can’t get through the sidewalks,” said Alisa Grishman, pointing out that snow plowed by trucks has been pushed into curb cuts.Grishman is the executive director of Access Mob Pittsburgh.On Thursday, the center posted a message on social media asking for help, noting the ongoing issue of snow removal.Grishman, a member of the disability community, expressed her frustration, saying, “It’s so irritating being treated as less important than cars.” Grishman recounted an incident where she had to call the police for assistance after her wheelchair got stuck in the snow on a sidewalk.”The problem with the lack of snow removal is that I can’t get anywhere if there’s even an inch of snow still on the ground,” she said.The issue is particularly prevalent at Pittsburgh Regional Transit stops, where snow accumulation prevents buses from pulling forward to the curb.”They don’t have enough cleared at the bus stops for buses to be able to pull forward and get to the curb to let anyone on,” Grishman said.Pittsburgh’s Action News 4 reached out to PRT for a response. “It’s a real concern. We take it very seriously,” PRT spokesman Adam Brandolph said. “Sidewalks are generally the responsibility of property owners. Curbs are maintained by the municipality where the stop is located.”In Squirrel Hill, efforts are underway to address the issue. “We’ve heard from folks that have mobility issues and have trouble getting around that still, even though it’s snowy and messy outside, they want to be able to go out to eat,” said Jamison Juda-Combs, interim director for Uncover Squirrel Hill. Businesses in the area are being recognized with certificates for keeping their sidewalks safe, clean and accessible.”It’s a message to residents. Hey, our sidewalk is cleared. Our doors are open. Come dine with us,” said Juda-Combs.”At the end of the day, it’s a neighborly thing to do. It’s the right thing to do.”How To HelpClick here for a list of areas where help is needed.Sign up to be a volunteer: Pittsburgh’s Snow Angel volunteer signupSign up to receive a Snow Angel: How to receive service from a Snow AngelCall: 311 or 412-255-2917Email: mailto:Will.Allison@pittsburghpa.gov

PITTSBURGH —

The Pittsburgh Center for Disability Justice has called on the community to help clear snow from sidewalks and curb cuts, highlighting the challenges faced by the disability community in Pittsburgh.

“We can’t get through the sidewalks,” said Alisa Grishman, pointing out that snow plowed by trucks has been pushed into curb cuts.

Grishman is the executive director of Access Mob Pittsburgh.

On Thursday, the center posted a message on social media asking for help, noting the ongoing issue of snow removal.

Grishman, a member of the disability community, expressed her frustration, saying, “It’s so irritating being treated as less important than cars.”

Grishman recounted an incident where she had to call the police for assistance after her wheelchair got stuck in the snow on a sidewalk.

“The problem with the lack of snow removal is that I can’t get anywhere if there’s even an inch of snow still on the ground,” she said.

The issue is particularly prevalent at Pittsburgh Regional Transit stops, where snow accumulation prevents buses from pulling forward to the curb.

“They don’t have enough cleared at the bus stops for buses to be able to pull forward and get to the curb to let anyone on,” Grishman said.

Pittsburgh’s Action News 4 reached out to PRT for a response.

“It’s a real concern. We take it very seriously,” PRT spokesman Adam Brandolph said. “Sidewalks are generally the responsibility of property owners. Curbs are maintained by the municipality where the stop is located.”

In Squirrel Hill, efforts are underway to address the issue.

“We’ve heard from folks that have mobility issues and have trouble getting around that still, even though it’s snowy and messy outside, they want to be able to go out to eat,” said Jamison Juda-Combs, interim director for Uncover Squirrel Hill.

Businesses in the area are being recognized with certificates for keeping their sidewalks safe, clean and accessible.

“It’s a message to residents. Hey, our sidewalk is cleared. Our doors are open. Come dine with us,” said Juda-Combs.

“At the end of the day, it’s a neighborly thing to do. It’s the right thing to do.”

How To Help

Click here for a list of areas where help is needed.

Sign up to be a volunteer: Pittsburgh’s Snow Angel volunteer signup

Sign up to receive a Snow Angel: How to receive service from a Snow Angel

Call: 311 or 412-255-2917
Email: mailto:Will.Allison@pittsburghpa.gov