February 15, 2011

Cold Weather Information for Residents with Disabilities

Call 311 for Warming Centers and to Report Blocked Curb Cuts

Warming Centers

Chicagoans with disabilities are reminded that the City has Warming Centers that are safe and accessible. There’s no reason that anyone should be out in the cold if they don’t have another place to go.

If a person with disabilities needs transportation to a warming center or shelter during this extreme weather, the Department of Family and Support Services will provide a lift equipped vehicle to transport wheelchair users.

Please call 311 to find a location nearest you and to request a lift-equipped vehicle. 

Snow-Blocked Curb Cuts

In the aftermath of last week’s historic snowstorm, the City is asking business owners and corner property owners to make sure they clear curb cuts when shoveling the snow on sidewalks and corners close to their property.

There are 6,000 miles of sidewalks in Chicago so addressing every single area is a challenge. In every neighborhood people are being good neighbors and residents by pitching in to shoveling sidewalks and corners.

However, if you are a resident with a disability or a family member of a person with a disability that has encountered blocked curb cuts, call 311 and identify it as a “corner clearance issue.”

MOPD uses 311 to intake reports of these locations and work with various departments to respond.

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