Winter has a way of revealing the fault lines in a city. After the recent snowstorms in Boston, these fault lines grew into chasms. The sidewalks became impossible to navigate, the curb cuts impossible to find. Bus stops became inaccessible islands. To some, these snowstorms were an annoyance. To others, they were an obstacle, a peril, and a reminder that a city can easily forget the people it needs the most.
Residents described walking in the street because the sidewalks were impassable, hoping drivers would see them in time. Disabled commuters expressed feeling invisible, as if their safety mattered less than the speed of traffic. Confusion over who was responsible for clearing bus stops—the city or the MBTA—left many areas untouched, with riders waiting in the road.
Yet even after the plows had done their work, the areas where people actually stand, walk, and roll were buried. The city was officially open, but not for everyone. For anyone who used a cane, stroller, wheelchair, or simply needed solid footing, the “open” city might as well have had a locked door.
For people who rely on electricity for medical reasons, a winter storm adds a layer of fear. Ice brings down branches, and wind snaps power lines. Unfortunately, that means the machines that assist with breathing, eating, or monitoring health often stop working
The cold creeps in, transportation shuts down, and simple tasks like going to a pharmacy, —become dangerous. When sidewalks are blocked and transit is inaccessible, the risk increases. A storm that others can wait out becomes a crisis for someone whose life depends on stable power and safe passage.
For me, the trouble starts even before I step outside. I have spastic cerebral palsy, and my body feels the weather’s effects long before the air hits my face. On cold mornings, the stiffness arrives like an unwanted visitor. My legs feel heavier, my muscles tighten, and movements that are usually manageable become slow, deliberate efforts.
The chill doesn’t just sting—it freezes everything in place. When I finally go out, the snowbanks and icy patches turn that stiffness into something more significant. A blocked curb cut isn’t just an obstacle; it’s a moment where my body and the environment meet, neither willing to yield. What might be a minor inconvenience for someone else becomes a question of whether I can safely continue at all.
Many disabled people know this reality well. Winter doesn’t just make travel harder; it can make it impossible. For those who cannot drive and rely on sidewalks, curb cuts, and pedestrian routes, snow and ice can trap them indoors.
Joan Willshire, former executive director of the Minnesota Council on Disability, captured this truth when she told The Star Tribune in 2019 that snow and ice can leave people stranded. “Quite frankly, it’s getting to the point where it’s going to be an emergency here for us to get to work, to get medical appointments, to get groceries,” she said. Her words resonate beyond Minnesota. They speak to a universal truth: mobility is not just about movement; it’s about access to life.
City officials recognized the shortcomings in Boston’s response and listened as residents described the stakes. They discussed equipment, staffing, coordination, and new ideas for supporting seniors and disabled residents.
But beneath those conversations lies a deeper question about priorities. A city that clears roads first and sidewalks last has already decided whose movement matters most. When storms hit, the people who rely on public space—those who walk, roll, or ride the bus—are the first to feel the effects of that decision.
Winter often takes away independence. It takes away spontaneity. It takes away the simple freedom to leave home without fear. But it doesn’t have to.
A city that plans for its most vulnerable residents is a city that works better for everyone. As the snow melts and the city returns to its usual rhythm, the question remains: will Boston remember the people who were left behind when the sidewalks disappeared, or will these stories fade until the next storm forces them back into view?
Sources:
Graves, Ginny. “How to Prepare for Power Outages If Your Health Depends on Home Medical Devices.” NPR, NPR, 11 July 2024,
Macalus, Austen. “Winter Weather, Uncleared Snow Present Extra Challenge for Minnesotans with Physical Disabilities.” The Star Tribune, Star Tribune Media Company, 23 Feb. 2019, http://www.startribune.com/winter-weather-uncleared-snow-present-extra-challenge-for-minnesotans-with-physical-disabilities/506245922.
Wintersmith, Saraya. “Commuters, Disability Advocates Blast Boston’s Snow Response.” GBH News, GBH, 3 Mar. 2026, http://www.wgbh.org/news/politics/2026-03-03/commuters-disability-advocates-blast-bostons-snow-response