To Whom It May Concern:

My daughter, a blind student at Saint Louis University in St. Louis, MO, asked that I speak with you briefly regarding audible signals. She is a bright, intelligent, college senior who has aspirations of becoming an attorney one day. However, in the Fall of her freshman year, she was hit by a utility truck while crossing an intersection on her way to class. She has recieved orientation and mobility training since elementary school and had received training specific to campus and the surrounding area. Fortunately, she was not seriously injured receiving only minor bruises and lacerations. My husband lobbied local city officials to install audible signals at several particularly risky locations. It was particularly difficult to find out that the signals had been purchased but had not been installed due to budget constraints! Through persistence, he was finally able to have these signals installed. Many sighted individuals have expressed appreciation for this additional cue at these risky intersections. In addition, our daughter has told us that many individuals, including the elderly who live nearby in a senior living apartment, appreciate the increased safety and confidence they feel when crossing these intersections. Each of us is one simple accident away from becoming disabled. Many of us, will experience disabling conditions as we age, yet each of us will want to continue the highest quality of life we are capable of. You have an opportunity to make a significant difference in your population. I urge you to install audible signals for the benefit of the disabled and for the benefit of many others who do not yet realize the added safety and security that will be provided. Thank you for your time and attention.

Sincerely,

Deborah K. Baebler