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COLUMBIA - The Columbia Disability Commission met Thursday to update its proposal for convenient parking for disabled people.

The group discussed the idea of shifting some disabled parking spots to provide better access to downtown shops and businesses. The commission needs more feedback from downtown businesses before anything is done.

A pedestrian safety group said it believes angled parking at City Hall is safe, while parallel parking spaces are not. One quick way to create more handicapped spaces could involve removing meters and adding signs, but van parking and curb ramps have considerable costs.

Pedestrian safety group volunteer Joe Alder said road signs need to be correct and clear, and there are also many road intersections missing clear markers.

The group also gave input into the human rights ordinance. Members suggested changing the word "handicapped" to "disabled," and they also suggested putting a separate "disabled" sign in public places like restrooms.

Commission chairman Homer Page said improving parking utilities is important for disabled people, but the major problem is how to get enough funding.

Deputy City Manager Tony St. Romaine said he'll take the suggestions to the public works department and city council.