Kasondra L. Payne

October 28, 2002

My name is Kasondra L. Payne. [ ... ]. I am writing in opposition to the recommendation that detectable warnings be placed at every street corner, and audible traffic signals at every lighted intersection. I have traveled throughout the United States, and I see very little need for such adaptations. The detectable warnings easily get filled with snow, water, and dirt. They become to slippery and very difficult to walk on. I have been blind my entire life, and I have had little problem crossing the street without such inconveniences. These warnings are unnecessary, and as I have said, they often cause even more problems than they solve.

Audible traffic signals are another problem. I have found very few instances when those signals are even useful. The only times when they are may be when traffic patterns at an intersection are so erratic, as to make it truly difficult to cross. Besides, the constant beeping of locator tones, and the signals themselves, make it really confusing to know when to cross. I have crossed many intersections, and I have found very few where an audible signal could be useful.

I hope the Access Board reconsiders these recommendations. Blind people travel all over the country and the world safely and independent without the need for constant adaptation of our environment. If anyone doubts this, I encourage them to observe a gathering of the National Federation of the Blind. I am just a simple citizen of this country, and I just want to see my right to travel unhampered by devices that could make it more difficult for me to travel. Thank you for reading this.

Sincerely:

Kasondra L. Payne