I like that idea, too. I wrote a Braille Monitor Article on audible pedestrian signals in the June 2017 Braille Monitor. I am in favor of getting involved to improve this technology. It is a bummer that most blind people I know of, including myself, cannot use audible pedestrian signals for alignment. I'm not saying alignment isn't possible without APS. I just think that technology should not be half-baked. Here's the thing. Audible pedestrian signals are here to stay, and chances are fair that much more of this technology will be installed. So we should have been involved since the beginning, in my opinion. But I am glad that Gary Wunder agreed with me in 2017, and I'm glad that we're not all opposed to this technology. Frankly, I prefer the potential refreshable tactile graphic approach, if that ever becomes a reality for consumers. But in the meantime, I think we should be very involved in steering the improvements for audible pedestrian signals. Sincerely, Ben
On Jun 15, 2020, at 4:58 PM, Joanne Gabias <jklgabias at hotmail.com> wrote:
?
In the June Braille Monitor there is an article about audible traffic signals. Audible Traffic Signals: The Technology, the Reality, and the Possibilities by Curtis Chong.
I know why have touched on it in some discussions but maybe we can talk about when they would be useful and when it is not safe to use. Maybe we can come up with some language as NOMCs about the pros and cons of them and also how to navigate around them. I think it would be good if we had something official written.
https://www.nfb.org/images/nfb/publications/bm/bm20/bm2006/bm200608.htm
Joanne Gabias, M.A., NOMC, NCUEB, NCRTB Statewide Operations Manager SAAVI Services for the Blind
From: NOMC <nomc-bounces at lists.nbpcb.org> on behalf of Ben Vercellone <benv at fastmail.com> Sent: June 15, 2020 1:45 PM To: Deb & Jeff Altman <debandjeff at allophone.com> Cc: nomc at lists.nbpcb.org <nomc at lists.nbpcb.org> Subject: Re: [Nomc] Tomorrow afternoon's O&M Conference call
Hello Jeff and all,
I would like to talk a bit more about canes, tips, and the designs at the ends of the cane shafts. I have a few more thoughts based on very recent experience (yesterday and today). And yes, some of this involves the cane tip that was on the BISM canes and which I believe was the favorite of many people. I?ll just say that this tip is impressive with both audio and tactile feedback, in my opinion. It definitely gave me a good first impression today. The tip from Commander Technologies is very good tactilely, in my opinion. And the contemporary tip from the Independence Market excells with auditory feedback for me, especially indoors. It is amazing indoors. Fortunately, the older said cane tip seems to be very good with both auditory and tactile feedback. I will try this tip for the next few days at least and continue analyzing. I have spoken with 2 people about bringing back a cane tip like this one. I may discuss this, but perhaps One of our participants would be much more equipped to do so. The tip from Commander Technologies weighs 13 grams on my kitchen scale. The old tip that I like the most also weighs 13 grams. I don?t think I have a fresh NFB Independence Market tip right now to weigh.
Sincerely, Ben
On Jun 15, 2020, at 3:28 PM, Deb & Jeff Altman <debandjeff at allophone.com> wrote:
? Hello Everyone,
I am still looking for ideas for our discussion tomorrow evening. So far I have not received any suggestions. While I may be able to come up with a few things to start the conversation, I really would appreciate your input into this process. If we have exhausted our topics at this point, then I think it may be helpful to end the conference calls for a while, especially since we will be having a group O&M discussion at the National Conference on July 14th. For right now, the conference call is on for tomorrow afternoon, but please let me know your thoughts regarding our continuing these calls over the next few months.
Thank you, Jeff
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