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SystemOfADowneyJr t1_iu7x6j7 wrote

It's bad enough that the sidewalks are inaccessible but when restaurants, stores, or even hospitals aren't accessible as well, it's just all around frustrating.

Pre-COVID, my sibling Taylor (not their real name) had to go to physical therapy within the hospital 3 times a week in the city. Since our mom is hella talkative, she tends to make friends and for awhile they allowed her to park in a specific parking lot next to the building so she didn't have to push Taylor too far, which was great. Well the department changed hands, so sadly she was forced to park across the street, up a hill, pay a token, etc.

Mom is the smallest in the family and Taylor's weight can fluctuate from 200-300lbs depending on their sickness. So when I found out she had to navigate/push Taylor through cracked, uneven sidewalks downhill and they both almost wiped out from broken concrete, I was furious. I called around the hospital to see if I could just pay for a spot, "hire" someone to help her push Taylor, anything but no one would help. Sorry for the vent, but It's just absolutely ridiculous and not fair to anyone. This whole damn city needs an overhaul but we all know that's most likely not gonna happen in our lifetime.

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balou918 OP t1_iu8qvmo wrote

I’m so sorry your sibling had to go through that. My boyfriend needs medical care every week too, and we don’t drive. A few times I’ve had to take him to UPMC St. Margaret, and the closest bus stop isn’t close to the entrance at all. Some people on this thread seem to believe that I’m asking for a complete renovation of the city, and I’m not. Sometimes small things, like making an adjustment in the transit system or in the parking lot, can make a big difference.

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