[nfb-talk] Audible Walking Signals

[ROBYN WALLEN]

APS signals are only one way to get information for a street crossing. 
Anyone who thinks these signals tell you when to cross are not really
clear on what they do.  All an APS signal does if give the blind person
the same information that a sighted person recieves visually.  Never do
they tell us when to cross and they are certainly no substitute for good
O and M skills.  However that being said as cars become increasingly
quiet simply relying on traffic patterns is no longer as simple and
answer as it once was.  Also keep in mind many signals are on sensors and
if they are not tripped by a car then they do not always give a walk
signal and sometimes again traffic patterns are no help.  No I dont think
they should be at every intersection however I do believe that they are
needed at some.  I also think that tactile markings at platforms are  a
needed evil.  Too many poeple have already been hurt.  I find it
interesting that the truncated domes are now on many curb cuts in our
area and niether NFB or ACB pushed for them but someone read it into the
law regarding ADA and now we have them and neither organization got to
fight over them.  

Robyn