Donald H. Shepherd, Ph.D.
|
October 5, 2002 |
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.