I am writing concerning your proposed regulations to
alter the environment for blind people. This is almost totally
unnecessary. I am 62 years of age and have been traveling around the
country and the New York City and Greater Long Island area for over forty
five years. I have never had to use detectible traffic signals or
detectible warnings at street crossings. When I learned cane travel
techniques the training was not as good as it is today. The few times I
have heard bells or screatching birds at street crossings, it has been a
total distraction rather than a help. As a blind person I rely on my
senses of hearing and touch to competently and confidently traverse all
kinds of streets. I believe much money would be misspent to alter the
environment unnecessarily. I am in full support of the position of the
National Federation of the Blind's resolutions dealing with the matter.
Thank you for reading my comments on a very serious
issue. Blind people need good training not squawking traffic signals and
domes at street corners that will impede good travel. Please do not waste
your talents and money on unnecessary matters.
Very truly yours,
David R. Stayer