[NFBV-Fairfax] Seeking blind participants for a research study on Street Crossings

[amcarr1 at verizon.net]

I am sharing the below information as you might be interested in it.  I do
not know any more than what is in the below information.  If you have any
questions, please reach out to the contact listed in the message.

 

Thank you,

Annette Carr

President

NFB Fairfax Chapter 

 

--- Forwarded Message---

You can help us solve a new issue in street crossing. Street designs
continue to evolve resulting in new challenges for blind pedestrians.

The UNC Highway Safety Research Center in conjunction with Accessible Design
for the Blind is looking for volunteers who are blind to participate in a
study on the accessibility of Quick Build Bulb-Outs in the D. C. area. We
want to find out whether different wayfinding cues like tactile surfaces, or
vertical delineators such as plastic posts or raised surfaces that you can
feel under foot or with your cane, improve accessibility of quick-build
bulb-outs for people with little or no vision. Quick-build bulb-outs are
areas of the street at a crosswalk that are marked with paint and/or
flexible posts to show that the area is no longer available for motor
vehicle use. This area is considered an extension of the sidewalk at
street-level and is the appropriate place for pedestrians to wait to cross
the street. This relatively quick and cheap change is made in order to
shorten the length of the crosswalk and to improve drivers' ability to see
pedestrians waiting to cross. Quick-build bulb-outs may also slow traffic.

We are looking for experienced travelers who are comfortable using a long
cane, who regularly travel independently outdoors, and who would be willing
to participate in the research. If you decide to take part in the study, you
will be asked to approach and cross several streets many times. The
intersection does not have an accessible pedestrian signal but the mobility
specialist with you will tell you when the WALK sign comes on. Compensation
is $75 and travel to the study area can be reimbursed.

If you are interested in participating in this study, please call me at
301-412-4224 or email me at: mbcleveland at fastmail.net
<mailto:mbcleveland at fastmail.net>  to find out if you are eligible for the

 

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