Louise Kelly: Bricks are Dangerous and Exhausting to People Who Use Canes

Posted by Louise Kelly

Editor's note: This is the 3rd in our series of "We Hate Bricks," by people with disabilities and other people with bodies. In addition to being a teacher at Tabor Academy in Marion, on Buzzards Bay, Louise is also my sister. The following is her written testimony to the Architectural Access Board at its January hearing on the Huntington Avenue brick sidewalk. Previous entries in the series are here and here.

I have multiple sclerosis and when I walk, I use a cane for balance and support. It is difficult and exhausting for me to walk, because I must concentrate on where I place each foot in each step. When I am on brick sidewalks, it is even harder for me because I also must watch the cane carefully so that it does not get caught in the gaps between the bricks. I’ve become accustomed to the reality of falling sometimes because my body lets me down, but having to cope with a hostile walking surface is too much…

Yes, brick sidewalks look nice, but they are ticking time bombs for people with disabilities.