[nfbwatlk] FW: NFB stand on Blind Child Area signs?

[Prows, Bennett (HHS/OCR)]

Hi Listers,

I can't remember whether we have had any policy statements on the issue raised by Steve Ice's query of me in the E-mail string below, but thought I'd post it for any comments.

Thanks.

/s/

Bennett

From: Prows, Bennett (HHS/OCR)
Sent: Tuesday, August 28, 2012 1:17 PM
To: Ice, Steve (ACF)
Subject: RE: NFB stand on Blind Child Area signs?

Hi Steve,

I don't know that we've adopted a formal resolution on a state or national level, but the issue has come up many times on lists, etc. There is unanimous opposition, and concern about these types of signs.  There have been many instances when individuals, and I think even chapters have fought and had them taken down. They really are disturbing. May I post this to our NFB list?

Thanks.'

/s/

Bennett Prows

From: Ice, Steve (ACF)
Sent: Tuesday, August 28, 2012 1:01 PM
To: Prows, Bennett (HHS/OCR)
Subject: NFB stand on Blind Child Area signs?


Ben,

In my neighborhood there are two very large, very prominent, yellow and black cautionary road signs that say "Blind Child Area".
The signs have been there for 10 to 20 years. I am sure the child is off to college if not on social security by now.

I feel these signs are demeaning and have the untended consequence of spreading the belief that caution is warranted around blind people who cannot otherwise develop orientation and mobility skills to be safe and self sufficient.

Researching the web, I discovered quite a few sign vendors pushing these, a few state application forms in the Southeastern US and at least 2 'you tube' videos made by adolescents who show blind people walking head first into the 'blind child area' signs.

What's next? "My husband has Alzheimer's" signs? "Warning: crack house on this block" signs?

I do not view these as an accommodation such as improved crosswalk stripping or warning bumps on curb cuts because they are not in any way instrumental or accommodating to the blind person's independence.

In any case, I would like to know, before writing the county or state, if NFB has a policy on these types of signs. I feel that a policy statement from those who are blind would go a lot further than my personal opinion.

Steve