I am writing in support of the American Council of the Blind, ACB, endorsement
for the implementation of the proposed regulations from the Public Rights of Way
Advisory committee regarding detectable warnings and accessible pedestrian
signals.
In Australia we have been proactive in addressing safety issues for people who
are blind through the installation of audio-tactile pedestrian signals and
tactile ground surface indicators, TGSI. While we still have some slight
variation between States we have been working to develop National Standards and
are advocating for the mandatory application of Standards.
Australian States have been progressively installing audio/tactile pedestrian
signals for over 20 years and tactile ground surface indicators for over 10
years so we have gained much experience.
My organisation - Royal Blind Society one of Australia's largest blindness
agencies, and Blind Citizens Australia - the National organisation of blind
people, are strongly in support of the use of audible signals and TGSIs. We
believe that they have played a major role in affording better pedestrian safety
for people who are blind or have low vision and there is anecdotal evidence to
show that they benefit non-disabled pedestrians. We place great emphasis on the
belief that these safety measures are the reason that pedestrian accidents
involving people who are blind are extremely rare in Australia. Accordingly we
support the use of these measures in your Country.
If you would like to access more information regarding pedestrian safety and the
use of audible pedestrian signals and tactile ground surface indicators please
access Blind Citizens Australia's web site at
www.bca.org.au for the BCA Pedestrian
Safety Policy, the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission, HREOC, web
site at
www.humanrights.gov.au
for the Draft Transport Standard and Standards Australia's web site at
www.standards.com.au for Standards
such as on tactile ground surface indicators.
If you or one of your colleagues find an opportunity to visit Australia I would
be most happy to arrange a round of meetings and demonstrations regarding
Australia's application and use of these measures. Alternatively if you wish to
seek input into your work from Australian experts I would be happy to put you in
touch with the appropriate people and organisations.
Kind Regards
MICHAEL SIMPSON
Director, Policy & Advocacy
Royal Blind Society
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