In regards to the PROWAC recommendations,

I am a certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist in the state of Indiana. I strongly endorse the use of detectable warnings at all intersections to assist in the safety of travelers who are blind. In the past few years, curb cuts have become more smooth and rounded at many intersections making it very difficult for some travelers who are blind to identify where the sidewalk ends and the street begins creating safety issues. Dectectable warnings are invaluable to travelers who have difficulties in this area. Also, auditory pedestrian signals are important, especially at very difficult intersections. An example of these intersections include T intersections, 5-point intersections and round-abouts. In addition, cars are being made more efficiently every year causing quieter and quieter cars and traffic sounds. As this continues, auditory pedestrian signals will become especially important for travelers who are blind to determine the correct time to cross streets. There are many different types and styles of auditory pedestrian signals and new ones are being invented all the time to make the technology benfitial for everyone. It is important that the corrrect types of auditory pedestrian signals are used at specific intersections to help the population for which they are intended and not interfer with travelers who do not need the assistance of the signals.

If you have any questions, please feel free to call me at (317) 232-4748.

Sincerely,

Karen S. Wilcox, O&M Specialist