I am a 54 year old blind business woman who has traveled extensively both in the United States and abroad. I have always been impressed by the proliferation of detectable warnings to be found in Great Britain, Finland, and many major European cities. Obviously, my mobility skills are excellent, but I find such devices as proposed in the PROWAC Report to be not only useful but often vital when traveling alone. When wheelchair ramps, curb cuts, specially adapted restrooms were mandated, many people objected. Yet, I have noticed these being used and appreciated by seemingly able bodied people. When accommodations are made to aid the few it seems that they are found useful by many. As our population ages, we may find an ever increasing need for pedestrian safety measures designed to assist low vision or blind people. I honestly don't believe that a spurious concern for how the general public views the blind as a valid reason to endanger blind people's safe participation in a fully active life as members of society. Please don't let a few blind people living in denial convince you there is any merit in blocking logical safety measures for all.

Sincerely,
DeAnna (Quietwater) Noriega

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