Patti Cox

October 28, 2002

I would like to let you know of my support of audible signals and of curb cuts. I am visually impaired and have a visully impaired husband. I also have two children one of which is also visually impaired as well as hearing impaired.

I rely heavily on the audible signals. During the day I have trouble seeing the light color and walk sign. In most cases I can't see the sign at all. At night I cannot see because of all the glare. I will give you an example of why it is so important to have audible signals. There was a blind lady  who had got off a bus at Frankfort Ave. and Mellwood. She then preceded to wait for the light. When she thought that the cars were going in the other direction she proceded to cross. She was hit and thrown about 20 feet. If
there had been an audible signal there this would have been prevented. I also rely on the curb cuts. I use them more at night because I do not see much at night. I use a cane at night. Without t6he curb cuts when I am ready to cross the street I might be standing in the middle of it rather than waiting on the sidewalk for the audible signal.

When in making your decision please take in consideration what you would want if you were to wake up tomorrow and could not see. If you have any questions please contact me at [ ... ].

Thanks
Patti Cox