In order to better serve the needs of people with disabilities and seniors, the City is asking people to participate in a Disability-Friendly City Survey.

“Our goal is to make Knoxville among the friendliest cities for people with disabilities and seniors,” says Stephanie Cook, the City’s ADA Coordinator. CODI and the University of Tennessee’s Industrial & Systems Engineering Department are conducting the study to identify the most important factors and facilities for improving quality of life for people who have a disability or are seniors.

Elements that make a city friendly to people with disabilities and seniors are accessible options for transportation, housing, health services, civic and social involvement, recreational and leisure facilities, environment and weather, education and employment. All these factors are important for a high quality of life for people with disabilities and seniors, says Cook, “but we want our residents most affected by these issues to help us determine how to prioritize our resources based on what Knoxville already has and what it needs.” 

The survey will be available online at http://www.knoxvilletn.gov/ada; a paper copy can be requested by contacting Cook at [email protected] or 865-215-2034.

CODI’s regular meeting on the second Wednesday of the month – usually in the Small Assembly Room of the City County Building – will follow the survey launch. Anyone needing a disability accommodation to be able to attend should contact Cook. For an English interpreter, contact the City Law Department at 865-215-2050.