The Missoula chapter of the NFB has worked with the City of Missoula to provide critical feedback on physical infrastructure and future planning. However, the current design of our public spaces still can prove challenging to navigate as a blind Missoulian. We are currently building a catalogue of physical barriers around our city to help the city enforce its regulations regarding sidewalk access and related issues. For instance, businesses frequently place sandwich boards in the middle of downtown sidewalks, creating unexpected obstacles in the walkway. While placing these boards a certain number of feet away from the entrance to the establishment is against Missoula city regulations, the city has been instructed to not enforce these rules unless they receive a complaint. By reporting these obstacles, we aim to make Missoula a safer place for blind Missoulians.

If you know of intersections, sidewalks or other public places that prove to be a significant hazard or barrier, please report your concern to the Missoula chapter of the National Federation of the Blind at missoulachapter@nfbmt.org.