I am writing to show my support for audible signals. No advocacy group should speak on behalf or against audible signals. This should be left to the individual person who may need this accommodation.

My job is working with legally blind individuals. They are the end consumer and have a choice to use or not use these devices. If the audible signal enables them to travel independently then they should have the advantage of using the device. Anyone who does not want to use the signal at a given crossing can either ignore the signal or choose to cross at another intersection.

Before seat belts became the law drivers had the option to use or not use these devices. Even though they were meant to save lives it was the individual choice as to use or not use them. Audible signals are meant to save lives. If other low vision/blind people choose not to use them that is their choice. Why take the choice away from others who do choose to use the audible signal.

Judith Schneider