Michael D. Reed

October 22, 2002

To Whom It May Concern,

I am a blind individual who travels extensively with the aid of my dog guide. I have found that audible traffic signals are a great help to me, not only in traversing the streets in my own town, but in areas where I have traveled and encountered them.

If anything we, the blind community, need more audible signals to aid us in our safe passage along streets and thoroughfares.

They are not only helpful to the blind, but in my community there are several elderly folks and some persons who use wheel chairs who have also found them to be of assistance.

I strongly encourage the support for these traveling aids as they are proving to be real lifesavers to many of us who have to travel.

After all, we, the blind community, are only asking that we have what the sighted community has, equal access in everything to include the ability to walk safely and the ability to cross streets in a timely and safe manor.

I hope that we will see more, not less in the future.

Thanks for taking the time to read this email.

Sincerely,

Michael D. Reed