As a young adult with a visual impairment, I appreciate all the work that the City of Red Deer has done to make the city safer for individuals with disabilities/barriers. This has taken a lot of time, commitment, energy and taxpayers’ dollars.
I am a strong believer in self-advocacy and have brought several issues of safety to the attention of the appropriate departments over the last several years.
Some of the initiatives undertaken by the city from suggestions I have made on behalf of all individuals with disabilities are:
l Downtown bus terminal: Highlighting the exit and entrance areas, as well as adding an additional crosswalk — all done with bright yellow paint.
l Collicutt Centre: Bright yellow and black non-skid tape applied to the main stairs to the walking and running track.
All buses now have “kneeling floors” and signage that is very well lit with the number of the bus and its destination. This is a great initiative for individuals like myself.
I would like to encourage every citizen to make known to the city any issues related to making this a safer place to live. I can say with confidence that your concerns will be listened to.
Thank you to everyone who works for our city. You have no idea the difference you are making in our lives. Keep up the good work!
Willow Birse
Red Deer