Our extended family recently navigated the Main Avenue downtown streets of Durango. We pushed my disabled mother-in-law in her wheelchair. I was shocked at the number of downtown intersections and sidewalk sections that were not adapted for wheelchair accessibility.

Streets with pedestrian walkways and signage on one side were met with a 6-inch to 9-inch curb – no ramps. In some cases, we encountered multiple stairs within a sidewalk block. We had to literally lift her wheelchair to continue.

How about using some of the increased city sales tax revenues from the frequent downtown events for Americans with Disabilities Act upgrades? Or earmark funds from the strictly enforced parking ticket collections to upgrade our streets to allow access to everyone – not just the able bodied.

Eilleen Kerby

Durango