Laurie Mehta

October 24, 2002

Dear Members of the Access Board,

I am a blind American and I support the recommendations of the PROWAC. I use audible signals
weekly, and would not be able to safely access the bus stop near my computer classes without them.

I have been blind for twenty years or so. I travel very well with either a long cane, or a guide dog.
When I had sight, I did a lot of pedestrian travel, and was immensely benefited by illuminated walk
signals. There are many pedestrian crossings, nowadays, that require more than just the traffic
signal to indicate safe crossing. As a blind taxpayer, I would like my tax dollars to be extended
toward providing this same benefit to me and others. Making walk signals audible will save lives, and each life saved is precious.

Since it is increasingly necessary to employ technology to keep traffic flowing, it is even more
necessary than ever to keep pedestrian signals effective. For those who cannot see, making signals
audible solves this problem. Such audible signals are especially necessary where traffic regulation is complex, at T-intersections, and at pedestrian crossings where traffic is stopped for pedestrians though there is no through cross-traffic.

I am aware that there are some who claim to speak for the blind, and oppose audible signals. I strongly
urge you to employ common-sense, and realize that these individuals can choose to ignore an audible
signal if they wish, but those of us whose lives and independence will be preserved by these signals cannot always avoid the dangerous crossings where audible signals could be placed. I know that audible signals are the singular factor enabling me to cross at certain places. I also know that there are places I must go to which I cannot reach independently, simply because a crossing signal is required but is not currently audible.

Please support the recommendations of the PROWAC, because they will make life more safe and independent for me and thousands of other people who cannot see.

Thank you for your consideration of this matter.

Sincerely,

Laurie Mehta