Imogene Bradley
|
October 28, 2002 |
It is difficult for me to understand how some people who are blind think that
audible signals at crossing are unnecessary. Their feeling is that any blind
person with proper training can manipulate any crossing. Many of us know that
this is not true.
Two people who traveled around everywhere awere killed in Washington DC, along
with their dog. These people were employees of the National Library Service
which is connected to the Library of Congress. They went everywhere as a part of
their jobs; traveling was not difficult for them.
I used to have a bit more sight than now; I am now totally blind. Still, I was
always very happy and felt very secure when audible signals were available.
When I worked in Cincinnati, I used to follow the crowd to cross the street in
downtown areas. But if there had been no crowd, I would have wanted an audible
signal.
I travel less now, but even more so because I am blind I want the signals.
I also recommend the use of detectable warning strips on curb cuts. There is one
near my home. The texturing helps a blind person know exactly where he is before
walking into the street.
Many of the people who feel that any assistance in their travel is unnecessary
are also the same people who have several people doing things for them, taking
them places; they do not travel independently very often. Most blind folks don't
have that luxury.
Thank you for considering my comments.
Imogene Bradley
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