My name is Tina Birenbaum and while I haven't traveled for a while on subways
and don't tend to see warning strips in my area, I have heard of several times
when people have been hurt or killed because these items were not installed to
give proper warning. A few years ago while in the San Francisco area however, I
did notice some warning material on the edge of a bart platform. I thought this
could only be helpful for people even sighted ones who just may not be paying
attention to the area so I definitely think these should be added wherever
possible. I also feel the same about pedestrian signals. As a totally blind
guide dog user who has also developed a moderate hearing loss over the past few
years, I am in full support of these signals. Before and after my hearing loss
there have been times when I would've been more comfortable had a signal been
there for me to use as a clue for crossing. I have and do still encounter
crossings where I need to cross a major street with a small one and where there
just is not either very much traffic for me to use, or where by the time I can
hear the traffic and decide it is safe to cross the light is over. I don't and
have never understood how the entire blind community isn't in support of
something that would help make all of us safer when traveling. It is sad that
some would put others lives in jeopardy just to save their pride or maybe to
continue their denial that they are fully independent and need no one. We all
need each other at some time and it is foolish to pretend otherwise.
tina and santa the cute 70 pound marshmallow guide dog
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