[nagdu] Section 501(d)

[Dan Weiner]

Hi, Albert and all.

Well, I'll give what I consider to be an objective analysis of audible
signals from my point of view.
I think the biggest problem is that the operation of these signals isn't
standardized and so each one is different.
How do you know which is the north south signal or the east west signal
unless you're familiar with an intersection?

I think they are useful in giving us information, the same information that
a sighted pedestrian has, whether there is a light r crossing sign that say
s "walk" or don't walk.
Since as blind people information is key to our success as safe travelers, I
think it's a good idea.
What you do with it is up to you.
When I lived in Maryland, a complicated intersection about 500 yards from my
apartment had an audible signal.
Yes, I did find it helpful, that is, once I figured out that the coo coo
chirp referred to the east west street I wanted to cross  and therefore, I
should listen for the chirp chirp, which meant I had a walk signal for the
other street, or something like that--smile.
Yes, guys, knowing when I had the light was helpful.  Doesn't mean my mind
automatically turned off and I didn't listen for traffic.
It is my person opinion that these signals should be available in a form
that pedestrians can activate on every lighted intersection in the country.

Also, and the supposedly perfect travelers out there are going to smirk at
this one, I am deaf in one ear and, travel skills or not, telling the
direction of traffic is a challenge.  The audible signal was a tangible
piece of info I could use and made it much more stress-free.

I think the biggest problem, as I said, is standardizing operation: will it
be a chirp, a voice saying " walk sign is on", a clicking noise? I've seen
all of these.  And, what about the activation and lack thereof? Where will
the button be, where will the cross-walk pole be?
Perhaps as a vibrant consumer organization, we the NFB could be giving
valuable consumer input on these questions rather than taking a firm line
and imputing lack of travel skills to those who might find this tool useful.
Finally, I've been to other countries where audible signals are much more
prevalent than here and the blind do find them helpful...yes, I know that's
a collective term, "the blind" and we're all individuals.

Now, I think someone mentioned that, when these systems are set up, there's
a big hoopla made about the blind now being able to cross streets.
Well, guys, you know that stereotypes abound and why should one more get our
dander up.
I've been at APS where I couldn't figure out which noise was for which sound
and ingenious passers-by asked why I wasn't crossing. When I explained, they
said "well, doesn't the signal tell you"--smile

Moderator, my apologies, but I thought I'd just add my honestly felt two
cents worth to this discussion.

Cordially,

Dan