First off, I think it is very important to
say that people with disabilities shouldn't be so ashamed of their disability to
the point that they would want to take away from others with disabilities who
might need more help than they do.
I am in favor of the detectable warnings, especially on el platforms and at
street crossings where there are no ramps and the street and walk are totally
level with each other and totally blended together.
I am also in favor of having the vibrating arrow because of the following
reasons: 1. It will help the blind and the deaf blind too. If someone doesn't
want to use it, then, they just don't have to reach out and use it. It certainly
won't anooy or be a disadvantage to anyone.
Audible sounds, however, now that is entirely another story. I don't think that
you are ever going to be able to please everyone with that. I guess with that I
want the impossible. I wish it could be something you could reach out and turn
on at the level you felt you needed and then turn it off when you were through
with it. That way, you could use it if you needed it.
There is supposed to be the White Cane law and we are supposed to be given the
right-a-way if necessary but that is not always the case and probably not a
mojority of the time either. The most dangerous thing for a blind person is
those cars who do those silent roling turns (the ones you don't hear until they
put their foot back on the gas); then, they are all ready on top of you and it
is too late. I cannot tell you how many times my leader dog has literally saved
my life under those kinds of conditions. Henceforth, it sure would be nice to be
able to truly know at least when we are supposed to be crossing if not anything
else.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Respectfully yours,
Donna Miles