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Resident urges council to expand braille signage and accessibility in Coeur d'Alene
Summary
A resident urged the City Council to prioritize braille signage, tactile markers and partnerships with state agencies to improve accessibility for people who are blind or have low vision; councilmembers responded and suggested follow-up.
Suzanne Knutson, a Coeur d'Alene resident, asked the City Council on Jan. 7 to pursue braille accessibility measures across city infrastructure, public transportation, parks and public-facing documents.
Knuston outlined practical steps: add braille to street-name signs, building entrances, elevator panels, restroom signage in public buildings, bus-stop signs and information boards; ensure braille meets established formatting standards; use high-contrast colors with braille; position signs at accessible heights; provide braille versions of important documents; and train staff in interactions with people who use braille. She recommended partnering with the Idaho Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired to conduct workshops and to prioritize a short list of immediate actions.
Councilmembers thanked Knutson and suggested inviting the Idaho Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired to present and help set priorities. Knutson offered to contact the commission and noted upcoming National Braille Day dates for potential outreach. No formal action or funding request was taken at the meeting; council asked staff to consider follow-up and possible future agenda items to evaluate priorities and partnerships.
Knuston also cited economic data about travel spending by travelers with disabilities and argued accessibility could support local tourism; councilmembers welcomed further information and follow-up from staff and local partners.
