Milissa Garside

October 28, 2002

I am writing in regards to the current debate that has been taking place. I strongly believe that audible signals are essential for a blind person's travel. Although I am blind, I am also hard of hearing, making it difficult for me to understand the traffic patterns. When an audible signal is present at a street crossing, I am able to cross independently and safely.

Some argue that audible signals are not needed because blind people can be trained to listen and understand traffic patterns. I agree that blind people can indeed be trained to listen in understand traffic patterns however, living in a big city where traffic patterns are not always reliable, can present a problem. I believe that for the future of independent blind people, audible signals are crucial to our safety and freedom.

Thank you for your time.

Milissa Garside