It has recently come to my attention that the Access Board is considering a policy of requiring architectural markings such as audible traffic signals and detectable tactile markings on sidewalks to facilitate travel by the blind.

As a blind person I urge caution in implementing such policies. Well meaning people may think they are doing a good thing by requiring wholesale distribution of such warnings. However, much of the time these are not necessary and amount to simply unnecessary cost. There are times when such signals would be useful if implemented wisely, but often they will b annoying to everyone, confusing and redundant to the blind, and an added expense that communicates a lack of capability on the part of the blind to do anything without having the world rebuilt for them.

Donald H. Shepherd, Ph.D.