Mickey Fixsen

October 4, 2002

Dear Access Board Members;

We, the blind, do NOT need audible traffic signals! We have been getting around our cities and towns for decades without them. I agree that there are increasingly more computer controlled traffic signals which do not present the pedestrian community with a consistent pattern of signaling in which to judge when it is the correct time to cross the intersection. There are also, in very limited numbers, some very complex intersections that might be benefitted by having accessible pedestrian walk signals. However, your proposed rule requiring all intersections which are equipped with visual pedestrian signals also be equipped with accessible signals is totally unnecessary and a huge waste of public resources. Each intersection should be considered for accessible pedestrian signals on a case-by-case basis in consultation with the Blind of the community. Only those intersections with complex configurations or confusing signaling should even be considered for special accessible signals and they should only be installed if the blind of the community that use them deem them necessary.

Any accessible traffic signals which are deemed necessary for a given intersection should not be audible, but must be the tactile type. More chirps, beeps, clicks, whistles and other noise added to the environment simply causes more confusion and masks traffic sounds making crossing streets MORE dangerous. We, the blind, must be able to hear the traffic clearly, without the addition of more noise to the audible environment, so that we can safely walk around our communities.

Detectable pedestrian warnings, truncated domes, as proposed are completely unnecessary. The blind have been safely traveling in the existing environment since the beginning of time. With proper training, we do not need to remake the world for us. In fact, remaking the world has made it more difficult for us in some instances. The flattening of sidewalk to street corners where there is no longer much slope or defining curb line causes problems. Truncated domes, however, are not the proper answer to the problem. The simplest and most cost effective answer is to mold a 3/4 inch to 1 inch tall curb which resembles the normal curb but much shorter. This area is always formed in some fashion or other, anyway, as the cement is installed and requires no added expense or special equipment. The blind are used to finding curbs and they make the best detector for us to use to delineate between the street and sidewalk. The short curb, if made properly, should present no problem for ANY other pedestrians or wheelchairs.

Truncated domes bring their own set of problems. They require special equipment and time to install which greatly adds to the cost of any project. They are hard to clean and retain snow, ice, water, dirt, leaves and such making a slippery area which is hazardous to ALL pedestrians. I have heard that they are a serious hazard to women wearing high heels. Cities will have to expend hard to come by resources of personnel and monies to try and avoid the liabilities presented by the maintenance difficulties of these areas. These truncated domes and warning areas tell the public that blind persons are inferior and must be taken care of when this is not the truth. Animosity builds up in the community against the blind for these costly and hazardous areas in our sidewalks.

Someone is always coming up with a new way to "take care of the blind" and "keep the blind safe". Leave us Alone! With proper training and others not fouling up the world too much, we can get around just fine.

Please do not implement the rules as currently proposed for they are much too broad sweeping and financially irresponsible. They will also cause more problems than they are supposed to solve and in many instances make our world much more dangerous.

Sincerely,
Mickey Fixsen