I find these signals to be a distraction that is not necessary. I am blind and physically disabled. I find it much better to cross streets using my ears. The signals are delayed from when the light turns, and I loose so much time listening for the bird sounds I could have been half way across if I had started to cross when traffic stopped. 

These things cause more confusion at intersections that already confusing enough. A sighted friend of mine saw a blind man freeze in the middle of traffic when one of those things started to sound. A blind friend of mine was hit trying to use them, while he is safe crossing using his hearing.
I find the tactile marks to be a hindrance rather a help. I have stumbled over them, slipped when my foot landed on them as I got off a train. I also fell because I was put so far off balance by them. They are very slippery when they are wet, and they get ice forming on and around them before anything else does.
You should have consulted blind and disabled people before you began placing these things out there. Disabled people can tell you better what we need than you can by assuming you know. You treat us as if we have no senses at all and are incapable of doing anything without your help.We are not stupid.
I have had nothing but negative experiences with these things.
 

Sincerely,
Karen K. Middleton

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