Bowman Donaho

October 10, 2002

To the Access Board.

As a legally blind person, I would like to voice my opposition to the proposed audible signals and tactile sidewalk features currently under consideration. Too broad a stroke is being painted. I use a monocular and do not trutst the audible signals that I now encounter. They are more confusing than helpful in directing me across streets. I am not entirely opposed to them if they are requested and can be justified. It would be a very costly imposition of something that a great many blind and visually impaired people if not most are opposed to. Also, blind people figure out ways to adapt to their surroundings. They already have for the most part "signals" and tactile "posts" to guide them. Although you may not agree with this particular idea, I think that the sighted community will begin to despise the blind community if they are required to pay for so expensive an imposition and are required to endure the sounds of beeping or chirping signals on every hand or tripping on sidewalk guides. Please vote this proposal down!

Thank you for your time.

Bowman Donaho