Two blind Missouri women seek to compel their city, state and federal governments to act on the lack of sidewalks.
Visiting with virtually every local leader who might help, two blind Jefferson City women - Maud Campbell and Sindy Puckett - have been pounding the pavement in recent weeks.
Or they would be pounding it, if there were more of it to pound.
"We're out there, we're walking, we're talking to people. We're getting a mostly enthusiastic response," said Campbell.
The two women are on a mission to get local officials to recognize the importance of constructing sidewalks along the city's busiest thoroughfares. And then build them.
Both of the women are blind and rely on dog guides to steer their way around obstacles. Puckett's dog usually will steer her away from traffic. But a cane-traveler can't maneuver in grass. "They depend entirely on that tactile touch and sound," said Puckett.
People who use wheel-chairs don't cope very well with grass or gravel either, Campbell added.
Sometimes, it's not the sidewalk width that is lacking. "A light post is a problem, because you have to go around it," added Campbell.
FULL STORY: Blind women seek sidewalks along busy streets

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

The 120 Year Old Tiny Home Villages That Sheltered San Francisco’s Earthquake Refugees
More than a century ago, San Francisco mobilized to house thousands of residents displaced by the 1906 earthquake. Could their strategy offer a model for the present?

NYC Outdoor Dining Could Get a Re-Do
The city council is considering making the al fresco dining program year-round to address cost concerns from small businesses.

HSR Reaches Key Settlement in Northern California City
The state’s high-speed rail authority reached an agreement with Millbrae, a key city on the train’s proposed route to San Francisco.

Washington State Legislature Passes Parking Reform Bill
A bill that would limit parking requirements for new developments is headed to the governor’s desk.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Ada County Highway District
Clanton & Associates, Inc.
Jessamine County Fiscal Court
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service