[Blindtlk] crossing streets during excessivly loud circumstances

[Diane Vlasoff]

Hi all!
The small city I live in has an outdoor music venue which provides
live entertainment for 17 events per year.  The contract is being
reviewed by the city at this time.

While I appreciate the opportunity for local live entertainment, I
find that the amplified music is often broadcast at such a high volume
that it significantly or completely masks the sound of cross traffic
at 3 critical unregulated street crossings.

I intend to ask the city to implement appropriate safety measures at
these 3 crosswalks during the outdoor events.  While I believe that
the best solution is to install a signal with a vibro tactile output
at each of the three crosswalks in question in reality I do not see
the city locating funding for such an expensive solution.

So my question is…

How would you expect a crossing guard or police officer to make
contact with a visually impaired pedestrian in such an excessively
loud situation?

The only thing I can come up with is for them to tap me on the
shoulder or something.  But I have to say that would probably freak me
out since I have no functional vision.  Also since I travel with a
guide dog I am concerned with someone essentially grabbing me while my
dog is working.

Additionally, how does a visually impaired person verify that someone
claiming to be a police officer or crossing guard is actually what
they claim to be?

It sounds like I have trust issues and there is a distinct possibility
that I do.

Nevertheless I welcome suggestions.  What solutions have you seen
implemented in similar circumstances?  How effective have you found
them to be?

Thank you for your time and recommendations.


BettyJo