[nagdu] Fw: AMVETS, SILO & GUIDE DOG FOUNDATION CELBRATE AUDIBLE CROSSWALKS INSTALLATION

[marilyn]

Subject: AMVETS, SILO & GUIDE DOG FOUNDATION CELBRATE AUDIBLE CROSSWALKS INSTALLATION



AMVETS, SILO & THE SMITHTOWN GUIDE DOG FOUNDATION PROMOTE AUDIBLE

CROSSWALKS FOR THE VISUALLY IMPAIRED

 

By Patrick Mitchell

SONS OF AMVETS

POST 48

 

On February 17 AMVETS, Silo and the Smithtown Guide Dog Foundation gathered with local officials and advocates for the disabled to celebrate the installation of Audible Crosswalks at Lawrence Avenue and Route 111 on Route 25 in Smithtown.  In addition there will be four additional audible crosswalks added in the near future on Route 25 at Maple Avenue, Landing Avenue, New York Avenue and Terry Road.     

Our group was able to work cooperatively with SC Legislator Kennedy and NYS DOT Regional Traffic Engineer Frank Pearson in terms of making the case that the Route 25 corridor in Smithtown needed audible crosswalks to protect visually impaired, physically challenged individuals and disabled veterans that frequently cross these busy intersections.  Furthermore, it was brought to our attention that audible crosswalks will also benefit seniors that need more time to cross intersections as well as moms that are navigating intersections with baby carriages and children in tow.

Our team was able to identify disabled clients that live in the Maple Avenue Apartments as well as other locations along the 25 corridor.  We wanted to create a scenario that would allow these individuals to safely negotiate complex intersections if Audible Crosswalks were installed at identified intersections.

In addition, it came to our attention that the Smithtown Guide Dog Foundation trains with their guide dogs along this busy corridor on a regular basis.  The Guide Dog Foundation expressed safety concerns in terms of crossing specific intersections along Route 25 and provided a written request for audible crosswalks to reduce the potential dangers to trainers and their guide dogs.

 AMVETS and SILO have instituted a program to increase awareness concerning the need for more Audible Crosswalks for the visually impaired and physically challenged. Audible Crosswalks are installed at busy intersections to allow visually impaired people to proceed safely through crosswalks after they receive an audible prompt to do so, such as a beeping noise or words that signify it is now safe to cross the intersection.  The goal of this program is to allow visually impaired men and women to travel more safely thereby assuring greater independence, dignity and opportunity.

           AMVETS, Helen Keller Services for the Blind (HKSB) and Suffolk Independent Living Organization (SILO) have attempted to address the above mentioned concerns regarding disabled individuals.  HKSB has a training program for the visually impaired which includes going out into the field and providing Orientation and Mobility instruction to help their clients develop the skills necessary to safely negotiate complex intersections.   SILO assists individuals with disabilities in developing essential life skills while also providing them with the necessary information and referrals so they can make informed decisions toward reaching their goals of living independently in the community. These organizations have contacted AMVETS and asked them to advocate for their clients and request Audible Crosswalks at intersections where Orientation and Mobility Instructors have noticed potentially dangerous crossing conditions.

If interested in learning more about this program please contact Patrick Mitchell Commander Sons of AMVETS Post 48 at 631-363-6412 or e-mail at pfm225 at optonline.net  or Silo representative Marilyn Tucci at 631-880-7929.

 

           Pictured (L-R) Frank Pearson NYS DOT; Kevin Malloy Smithtown Town Board; SC Legislator John Kennedy; NYS Assemblyman Mike Fitzpatrick; SC Legislator Lynne Norwick; Bob Creighton Smithtown Town Board; Marilyn Tucci Silo Representative with her Service Dog Ana; Wells Jones CEO Smithtown Guide Dog Foundation; Mike Dickson Commander AMVETS Post 48; Joe Cognitore SC Veterans Representative; Mitch Shapiro Foundation for Sight and Sound with his Service Dog Visa; NYS Senator John Flanagan; Ann Mercer Director of Training Smithtown Guide Dog Foundation with Guide Dog Walter and Patrick Mitchell Commander Sons of AMVETS Post 48

 

 

           
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