Alpidio Rolón
|
October 22, 2002 |
National Federation of the Blind of Puerto Rico
I write because I wish to express my views about the proposed guidelines
regarding “audible traffic signals” and “detectable warnings”. Let me first of
all state, that I have been totally blind for thirty-two years. I have up to
now, thanks to good orientation and mobility training, managed to go anywhere I
wish using my other senses. My few encounters with ATS’s have been to say the
least, disagreeable. Not only have they not helped; they have impeded my ability
to concentrate on ambient signals that might better enable me to cross a street
safely. Their use could only be contemplated in certain situations, such as
crossings that contemplate multiple traffic alternatives. Even then, we would be
better off with “vibrotactile signals”.
On the other hand, the imposition of “detectable warnings” at all curb ramps
greater than 1-15, is unnecessary and costly. Any blind person can easily detect
said ramp. It seems to me that you should concentrate more on the inclination of
the curb ramp than on requiring “detectable warnings”. Better yet, even though
it is not your area of concern, more money should be spent on providing more and
better training for blind people.
Hoping that you will consider my opinion about “audible traffic signals” and
“detectable warnings”, I am,
Sincerely,
Alpidio Rolón
President
NFB of Puerto Rico