Alfonse DeLucia

September 6, 2002

 

I entirely agree with those among the blind, and mobility impaired, that any intention to add barriers along train or subway platforms should be done away with. Although safety is indeed a critical issue, it does not have anything to do with accessibility. In this case, what some perceive as a means of safety, would only serve to hinder train or subway accessibility for the blind or mobility impaired.

 

Contrary to how deeply I am honored by others concern for my people, the concept of such barriers gives the impression that it was thought up by a group of non-disabled people. If such individuals were too put themselves through the scenarios of negotiating the boarding of a train or subway from a platform while wearing sleep shades, and using a cane, or using a wheel chair, they will realize the truth of the matter. Such proposed barriers would impose environmental limitations to the disabled person that is seeking access in the train or subway boarding environment.

 

Such barriers would be an extremely poor use of funding, funding that could be more affectively put to use elsewhere. These barriers would be a set back to the commuting disabled populations. Ultimately, you may find, if they are indeed added to the environment, a fairly sizable portion of sighted commuters might trip over them, and initiate some law suit, provided that they haven't been killed.

 

 For all of whom could be affected, please make the correct decision. Thank-you for your time.

 

 

Sincerely,
Alfonse DeLucia

Second vice president of the Connecticut affiliate of the National Federation of the Blind