News from DAC NW
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DAC NW part of Wheelchair Challenge
A warm day in August saw Coeur d’Alene Mayor Steve Widmyer, and City Council members get a behind-the-wheel experience navigating Sherman Avenue to understand the challenges faced by the disability community. DAC NW is not new to this concept, as they were part of a similar experience in Moscow, Idaho a number of years ago.
This group made its way along the little over half-mile stretch from the Chamber of Commerce to City Hall. The event was organized by Denise Jeska, a member of the Coeur d’Alene pedestrian and bicycle advisory committee.
The hope was to make city officials aware of uneven sidewalks, improperly placed sandwich boards and outdoor seating on sidewalks, bicycles leaning against trees, missing grates around trees which pose a threat to the independence of people using wheelchairs. Jeska said it’s especially difficult when boards are placed in front of sidewalk ramps.
“We have a lot of people who have mobility issues and they want to enjoy the game things that everyone else does,” said Tessa Jilot, chairman for the committee. It’s definitely a challenge to get around during the busy seasons
DAC NW knows it the city officials have direct experience with these accessibility struggles, it can bring awareness when it’s time to modify codes or put more ADA regulations in place. It’s a good idea for a community to look at their transition plan and prioritize needs.
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