Brutal Winter Has Been Extra Tough On The Disabled
CHICAGO (CBS) -- If you think you've been having a tough time getting around this winter in all the snow, ice, slush, and now rain; just imagine what it's like for the disabled.
Rahnee Patrick, director of independent living at Access Living Chicago, is in a wheelchair because of her arthritis. She told WBBM Newsradio's Regine Schlesinger it's been a long and very tough winter for those with disabilities.
She said, in one case, it took her about 10 minutes to go down one block that hadn't been shoveled, because she got stuck.
Now, with snow and ice melting, the puddles present a new obstacle.
"I have the ability in my wheelchair to tilt up and down, so I'm able to make sure my feet don't get too low so that they're hitting the water, and things like that," she said. "But it's really dangerous, because water and electronics just don't mix."
Patrick said many people in wheelchairs essentially have gone into hibernation this winter, venturing out only for doctor's appointments or other necessary errands.