Kim Charlson

October 19, 2002

Thank you for receiving my comments regarding the importance of accessible pedestrian signals and detectable warnings for blind and visually impaired individuals. I live in a community, Watertown, Massachusetts, that has been forward-thinking to have installed accessible pedestrian signals on all lighted intersections over 30 years ago. The old system used bells instead of the more contemporary beeps, but the outcome was the same -- the ability to safely cross the street. Now, older units are being replaced with contemporary units and no one has had any problems with the transition.

With the complexities of today's traffic and urban intersections, accessible pedestrian signals, and detectable warnings, make an extremely important contribution to the overall accessibility and independence for pedestrians with visual impairments.

I urge you to continue the excellent work of the Access Board in the direction of accessible pedestrian signals and detectable warnings. Every blind and visually impaired person should have the choice to be safe, and to safely cross an intersection. This should be available to them wherever they live and regardless of whether they use a cane or a guide dog. Philosophical arguments as to the impression such devices make on sighted people shouldn't be the overriding consideration, safety of blind and visually impaired people should be the goal. Sighted people understand the reason for accessible pedestrian signals and why they are necessary, and now through the hard work of the Access Board, governments, states, cities and towns will also know the need for these essential modifications.

Thank you for your consideration.

Kim Charlson