Imogene Bradley

October 28, 2002

It is difficult for me to understand how some people who are blind think that audible signals at crossing are unnecessary. Their feeling is that any blind person with proper training can manipulate any crossing. Many of us know that this is not true.

Two people who traveled around everywhere awere killed in Washington DC, along with their dog. These people were employees of the National Library Service which is connected to the Library of Congress. They went everywhere as a part of their jobs; traveling was not difficult for them.

I used to have a bit more sight than now; I am now totally blind. Still, I was always very happy and felt very secure when audible signals were available.

When I worked in Cincinnati, I used to follow the crowd to cross the street in downtown areas. But if there had been no crowd, I would have wanted an audible signal.

I travel less now, but even more so because I am blind I want the signals.

I also recommend the use of detectable warning strips on curb cuts. There is one near my home. The texturing helps a blind person know exactly where he is before walking into the street.

Many of the people who feel that any assistance in their travel is unnecessary are also the same people who have several people doing things for them, taking them places; they do not travel independently very often. Most blind folks don't have that luxury.

Thank you for considering my comments.

Imogene Bradley