As the snow begins to fall, the Minnesota Council on Disability reminds you to remove the snow from your sidewalks and curb ramps.
Sidewalks and curb ramps are lifelines for many people with disabilities and our senior community. When not cleared, they can limit their ability to get groceries, get prescriptions, go to work, and attend local gatherings.
And it can be a matter of life and death.
Improperly cleared snow can pile up and make sidewalks and curb ramps impassable. People using wheelchairs and other mobility devices must often travel in the street alongside traffic, a potentially life-threatening situation.
Shovel your sidewalk and curb ramps as soon as possible after a snowfall. Don’t wait for the snow to melt!
Snow removal is governed by city ordinance. Visit your city’s website to learn more about:
- Snow removal ordinances for residential and commercial buildings
- Potential fines for failure to promptly remove snow
- Tips and helpful resources for shoveling your sidewalk
- Reporting snow and ice on local sidewalks
If you are a person with a disability in need of assistance with snow removal, contact Disability Hub MN for resources. Note: These resources may come at a cost. If possible, make arrangements for snow removal before the snow season.
Senior citizens can contact the Senior LinkAge Line for resources.
Keeping sidewalks and curb ramps clear of snow and ice is the neighborly thing to do–and it’s the law. If you live near senior citizens or people with disabilities, volunteer to shovel their walkways. Let’s all do our part!