Sandpoint evaluates city's accessibility

SANDPOINT — City officials are tackling the challenge of looking at the community from the perspective of those who are unable to do so.

 In the effort to bring Sandpoint’s public buildings into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act regulations, administrative committee members are identifying the areas most unfriendly to blind, crippled or otherwise disabled residents.

Currently in its scoping phase, the plan will be brought back for public scrutiny during a prioritizing workshop on Feb. 2 at 5:30 p.m. in the council chambers.

During the administrative committee meeting Thursday night, officials discussed the most important Sandpoint areas to make handicapped-accessible with particular feedback from blind resident Ted Loman.

“My main focus is on the sidewalks, and it’s always been on the sidewalks,” Loman said. “But that’s not to negate the other portions of inventory.”

According to Loman, Sandpoint’s inconsistent sidewalk network made navigation around town difficult and dangerous without sight. Construction, improperly parked vehicles and abrupt changes in sidewalk elevation all posed serious hazards,

“There are all sorts of things that sighted people have no problem with, so they don’t ever think about it,” he said. “They see the yellow tape 25 feet away. I don’t.”

Loman and the other gathered commenters understood that the shift to a disability-friendly Sandpoint wouldn’t happen overnight. But they were hopeful that city officials would make the changes a priority despite the expenses involved..

“I hope that through this transition period, we the handicapped will get more than just lip service,” Loman said. “Money will always be problem until you step up to the plate and put a date on it.”

Other recommendations included more enforcement on handicapped accessibility regulations, especially regarding the parking space at the library.

“We would like to see all of the restrooms in Sandpoint have braille, as well as all the elevators,” Idaho Commission of the Blind associate Sherry Maxwell told the committee via e-mail.

City officials reassured the commenters that they heard their recommendations and would use the feedback in scoping the project.