Scott Blanks
|
October 24, 2002 |
You may count me as a firm proponent of audible pedestrian signals and
detectable warnings for the blind and visually impaired. I have lived on both
sides of the fence, in areas where these audible cues were virtually unheard of,
and now I currently reside in a setting where numerous installations have
occurred.
Detractors of audible signals would like people to believe that these signals
can lead to a degradation of proper mobility skills which can in turn
precipitate dangerous situations. What is often absent from these arguments is
the intentionally forgotten fact that a person with even minimal mobility
training understands that these signals aren't meant to be a substitute for
appropriate orientation and mobility skills, but rather yet another tool that
can, if the individual chooses, be used to assist someone travel more
independently, more safely, and with increased confidence.
I consider myself a high functioning independent traveler. Yet even I have been
stonewalled by dozens of unique street intersections. There are simply too many
x factors involved in crossing a street; length and variation of traffic cycle,
shape and width of streets, angles of streets and curbs and the relation of one
street to an adjacent street. The list goes on and on. The idea of these audible
signals and warnings is the right one. And as with any wise idea, there will be
abuses. People will treat this advantage as proof that they are suddenly
untouchable, able to go anywhere and do anything, simply because a chirp tells
them to cross the street. If we allow this troublesome minority to convince us
that this whole idea is flawed, we've limited a far greater number of people
than we've helped. Allow these installations to go forward without opposition,
and we can work on ensuring that people receive proper and adequate training on
the most important aspects of tra! vel such as smart listening and decision
making.
There are times when we must weigh what we do against what it might cause other
people to think about the blind community. This situation most certainly isn't
one of those times. Plainly put, these audible indicators are about us, the
visually impaired people who are striving to live full lives, go to school,
maintain jobs, and generally function in the world like any other human being.
Let's let this idea whose time has come go forward. We can certainly deal with
any challenges that may crop up.
Thank you for taking the time and putting forth the effort with this issue. My
name is Scott Blanks. My address is [ ... ]
Thanks again,
Scott Blanks
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