January 13, 2021

Input Sought for County Study to Improve Transportation Navigation and Safety for People with Vision Loss and Disabilities

The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) is conducting a public survey to get input from those who have vision disabilities or are advocates, caregivers or related professionals supporting people who move around the County with reduced vision. Anyone who experiences challenges navigating the built network or works with people with vision or mobility impairments is encouraged to complete a survey that MCDOT has made available through the end of January.

MCDOT held a virtual public meeting on Jan. 11 to seek thoughts and suggestions on improving mobility for residents with vision disabilities. The survey seeks input from those who were not able to participate in the virtual meeting.

The survey, in English, can be found at https://tinyurl.com/yxshmbvn. It will be available through Sunday, Jan. 31. The survey is also available in Spanish.


The Jan. 11 meeting was held to hear about challenges people with vision disabilities (including all levels of vision loss) face when trying to get around the County and accessing regional transit options. Approximately 60 people—many with vision disabilities—participated in the meeting and provided testimony about their challenges getting around the County.

MCDOT is working to create new approaches to designing sidewalks, bus stops and intersections to improve accessibility for all.

This project is funded through the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments’ Transportation Land Use Connections (TLC) program, which selected Toole Design Group as the lead consultant for the effort. A major goal of the project is to develop solutions that are appropriate for implementation in Montgomery County and across the region.

Before completing the survey, residents are encouraged to review the project webpage and to access a recording of the Jan. 11 meeting. The recording of the meeting will be available soon on the project webpage.

Written comments about the project can be submitted to Montgomery County Department of Transportation /Matt Johnson /100 Edison Park Drive, 4th Floor / Gaithersburg, Maryland 20878.

Comments also can be emailed to matt.johnson@montgomerycountymd.gov. In addition, he can be reached at 240-777-7237.