Snowy Columbus Poses Accessibility Challenges for Residents with Disabilities

Wheelchair users and transit riders face obstacles as snow plows create barriers to mobility

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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A heavy snowstorm in Columbus, Ohio has created accessibility issues for residents with disabilities, particularly those who use wheelchairs or rely on public transportation. Snow plows have pushed large mounds of snow onto curb cuts and bus stops, making it difficult for wheelchair users to navigate and access public transit. Local advocates are urging residents to clear sidewalks to improve mobility for all.

Why it matters

Accessibility is a critical issue for people with disabilities, and winter weather can exacerbate the challenges they face in getting around their communities. This story highlights how infrastructure and snow removal practices can inadvertently create barriers, limiting the independence and freedom of wheelchair users and transit riders. Addressing these accessibility gaps is important for ensuring equal opportunity and inclusion.

The details

When a major snowstorm hit central Ohio in January, snow plows pushed large piles of snow onto curb cuts and bus stops, creating obstacles for wheelchair users. Resident Marck Harrison, who has used a wheelchair for 41 years, said the snow on curb cuts and sidewalks takes away his "freedom" and "independence", forcing him to rely more on others. Harrison also faces challenges using COTA's fixed-route buses, as snow-covered stops make it difficult to access the ramps. COTA says its teams are working to clear stops, but can only clear up to the curb, and municipal plows sometimes push snow back into already-cleared areas.

  • A heavy snowstorm hit central Ohio in January 2026.
  • The storm dumped nearly a foot of snow on the region.

The players

Marck Harrison

An East side resident who has used a wheelchair for 41 years and frequently rides COTA's Mainstream on-demand transit service to get to his job at OhioHealth Doctor's Hospital.

Nicolas Comstock

A disability advocate and Harrison's neighbor who also faces challenges with snowy sidewalks and parking lots when using his private accessible van.

COTA

The Central Ohio Transit Authority, which operates the region's public transportation system, including fixed-route buses and the Mainstream on-demand service for riders with accessibility needs.

Jeff Pullin

A spokesperson for COTA who says the authority is aware of the accessibility issues and is working to clear snow from bus stops, though they are limited in what they can do.

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What they’re saying

“Putting (plowed snow) on curb cuts and our access points takes away our freedom, our independence a lot of time. So now we have to depend on more people.”

— Marck Harrison, Wheelchair user (The Columbus Dispatch)

“Even though wheelchair users do everything we can not to go out in it, we still have doctor's appointments and everything else to get to. Unless we're at a Level 3 [snow emergency], you know, life still goes on and we need that accessibility to be safe and prevalent and accessible for everyone, disability or not.”

— Nicolas Comstock, Disability advocate (The Columbus Dispatch)

What’s next

COTA officials say they are continuing to work on improving snow removal at bus stops to enhance accessibility for riders with disabilities.

The takeaway

This story underscores the need for better coordination and planning between municipal snow removal efforts and the accessibility needs of residents with disabilities. Clearing sidewalks and curb cuts should be a priority to ensure equal mobility and independence for all community members, regardless of ability.