Debbie Kuczwara

October 28, 2002

To Whom it may concern:

I am writing in response to the detectible warning signals and curb cuts. I strongly disagree with The National Federation's belief that there should be no detectible warning signals. I am visually impaired and use the warning signals every time I cross a street that has a signal. I have some vision but I can't see well enough to cross a busy street without one. The way our signals are set up here in Kentucky, is that they are not activated unless the person crossing the street wants to activate it. This doesn't interfere with the traffic at all.

As far as the curb cuts are concerned, I find those helpful as well. Sometimes it's hard to tell when you are getting close to crossing a street because there isn't a step down into the street. If there is a textured curb cut, this lets you know that you are getting close to the street. Since most of them are yellow it is fairly easy for a low vision person to see these. I also find these very helpful.

In closing, I would urge you to increase detectible warning signals and textured curb cuts not decrease them. I know there are many people here in Louisville that find them helpful. We are trying to get more added. These signals help me live a more independent life. Without these signals, I would not be able to go to work and other places on my own. Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely:

Debbie Kuczwara