Maria Morais
|
October 24, 2002 |
To Whom It May Concern:
I am writing in response to the proposed guidelines on making public
rights-of-way accessible to the blind. I have reviewed many of the comments
already posted on your website and it is clear that their is little consensus on
what is truly needed in order to assist blind pedestrians. This fact alone
should give you pause and cause you to reflect on whether the proposed
guidelines would address the needs of this population.
Clearly, blind persons have not historically found lack of physical adaptation
necessary to access pedestrian pathways. While it may be true that some
intersections are undoubtedly more readily negotiated because of their
straight-forward arrangement, the blind population has managed to make great
strides in intergrading into society as a whole. Nevertheless, it is conceivable
that it may be desirable to include artificial cues which would provide
additional data where non-visual information may be insufficient to provide
adequate prompts.
I understand that the issue of cars with non-combustible engines concern many
who claim that the recommendations in your proposal are necessary. To them I
would say that if you cannot hear the engine of an automobile, it doesn't matter
whether the light is green or red. If the driver runs the light you can still be
hit regardless of who had the right of way.
In closing, I would like to strongly urge your committee to listen to the
population for whom your guidelines have been drafted to help. If indeed
adaptations will be incorporated into new intersections, every effort should be
made to ensure that the most beneficial technology will be used. Again, because
of the opposing views which you have received, it seems logical to study the
issue at greater length. This subject is far too important to be made from an
emotional bases and empirical data should be gathered with the assistance of the
blind, themselves, and progressive professionals in the field of working with
the blind.
Cordially,
Maria Morais
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