Leanna Scachetti
OTT Content Producer
Navigating Boston with a disability: Here’s how one college student does it
This college student and her guide dog intern with the MBTA to help improve accessibility for all
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Updated: 6:30 AM EDT Oct 30, 2024
Boston’s charming cobblestone streets and brick sidewalks are iconic reminders of the city’s historic foundations. They can also be a huge pain, especially if you’re blind or using a wheelchair. “I was actually hit by a car once while in the crosswalk,” Joicee Gordillo said. Gordillo is a college student who used to get around using a white cane. She prefers doing life with her best friend and guide dog, Junie.”The cane was fine,” Gordillo said. “But it doesn’t give you as much sass and love.” Gordillo and Junie regularly use public transportation to get to and from home, work, class and social events. “Frat party Junie!” Gordillo said of her spritely sidekick. While the trains and buses allow for greater independence, they don’t come without challenges.”I can just get up and go to Boston whenever I want,” Gordillo said. “So I’m kind of at the will of the MBTA.”Additionally, the duo has to navigate obstructed sidewalks, cobblestone streets and busy traffic, in [...]