[nagdu] Why good O&M training is so important

[Natalie]

Hi Aaron,
In my experience, the trick is to integrate the APS as well as the listening 
for the traffic.  APS's are awesome gadgets, but they can and do 
malfunction, just as a normal light does.  But when the APS is available, if 
I can integrate the sound of the traffic with the sound of the APS, all is 
well in traffic paradise.
Best,
Nat and Liam Joshua

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Aaron Cannon" <cannona at fireantproductions.com>
To: "NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog Users" 
<nagdu at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Wednesday, November 02, 2011 8:17 AM
Subject: [nagdu] Why good O&M training is so important


> This video posted on the Yahoo Accessibility blog seeks to demonstrate
> the need for accessible crossing signals.  However, in my opinion it
> manages to do just the opposite quite nicely.
>
> http://yaccessibilityblog.com/wp/blind-people-cross-street.html
>
> I find it troubling that he talks about needing the signal "to
> indicate that it's safe for me to cross the street."  Even worse is
> his comment "I don't have to listen for the traffic coming the other
> way, I can just listen to the tone."
>
> He also calls crossing without a signal "daunting" and "scary".
>
> I can understand that such crossings can be quite daunting and scary
> if you don't have good training or practice making such crossings, so
> I don't really fault him for that.  However, I fear that people,
> especially other blind people, watching this video will assume that
> that's how it is for everyone.
>
> Finally, I do think that accessible signals can have their place, but
> certainly not the type shown in this video, which seem like they could
> actually interfere with listening to the traffic.
>
> Anyway, I just thought I'd share.
>
> Aaron Cannon
>
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