Snow & Wheelchairs - Again

As regards the previous post, we've run into a bit of a problem in that one of the wheels is seized to the axle. Joe, from Tetra, has been back three times to try to remove it but no luck so the chair was picked up yesterday and taken to the shop of a dealer. they called this morning to warn me that they too are having a problem and that the cost will be more than expected. I told them to go ahead and see what they can do. After all, we've come this far.

On a related matter, London city council continues to debate the plowing of sidewalks so I fired off the letter below to a counsellor who appears to be on our side. Don't know if it'll do any good but it's worth a shot.

Dear Counsellor Branscombe,

First of all, please accept my sincere thank you for your support on the issue of plowing sidewalks, as noted in today's Free Press article on this topic.

I use a power wheelchair to get around and on at least a half dozen occasions last winter I became stuck on the snow-covered sidewalks, each time within a block of my home in the city's core. And each time, I was forced to sit there feeling quite helpless hoping that a passerby would stop to help me out. Apparently the good citizens of this city have more compassion for the disabled than certain council members as, fortunately, I never had to wait long before someone came to my rescue.

The alternative to getting stuck, of course, is to stay in my apartment but I refuse to be housebound for several months of the year. I refuse to allow my disability to get in the way of living life to the fullest and am disappointed that some on city council don't seem to understand that I have the right to do so. The same right as more able bodied individuals or those who choose to drive rather than walk.

Consequently, in anticipation of the upcoming winter and a lack of confidence that city hall understands the needs of myself and thousands of other citizens of this city, I have spent a considerable amount of money by purchasing a second used wheelchair which I am in the process of winterizing so I can continue to be mobile once the inevitable snowfall arrives. I consider myself fortunate in that i can afford to do so and realize this is not a possibility for many elderly and disabled who may be on fixed or limited incomes.

Well, I have rambled on long enough. I'll close by asking that you, on behalf of the disabled, the elderly and feeble, and anyone else who, either by choice or necessity, uses the sidewalks, continue to support this cause.

Once again, thank you for your concern and thank you for taking the time to listen to my plea.

Sincerely,

Bill Birtch