Deborah Kent Stein

October 21, 2002

As a blind person and a member of the board of the National Federation of the Blind of Illinois, I am writing to express my deep and growing concern over proposed regulations to require modifications at crosswalks in the attempt to help blind pedestrians. When I was in my teens I learned to cross streets by listening to the flow of traffic. I have crossed untold thousands of streets over the past thirty-five years using this technique, and have never had a mishap. My experience, and that of countless blind people throughout the country, proves that blind people can cross streets safely by gathering needed information from traffic sounds, curbing, and other cues in the environment.

At most intersections, audible traffic warnings are unneccesary and can even be dangerously distracting to blind travelers, as they mask the sounds upon which we depend for orientation. Similarly, truncated domes are rarely needed to indicate an intersection, as we can find the curb or curb cut easily using a cane or dog guide. In fact, truncated domes can become a hazard in bad weather.

The blind community does not need these costly modifications at intersections. Such modifications would be tremendously expensive and could even imperil the blind pedestrians they are intended to protect. I urge your office to oppose the systematic placing of audible warnings and truncated domes at intersections. Their construction is an insult to competent blind travelers and a waste of millions of tax dollars.

Sincerely,
Deborah Kent Stein Secretary,
National Federation of the Blind of Illinois