THIS PAPER EXAMINES THE PROBLEMS WHICH ARISE IN THE PROVISION OF SPECIAL FACILITIES TO ENABLE BLIND PEDESTRIANS TO USE SIGNALISED FOOTCROSSINGS. THE BASIC REQUIREMENTS FOR A NON-VISUAL SIGNAL SYSTEM ARE DEFINED, AND THESE ARE EXAMINED IN THE LIGHT OF BOTH AUDIBLE AND TACTILE DEVICES. A REVIEW OF EXISTING SYSTEMS IN AUSTRALIA AND OVERSEAS SUGGESTS THAT NONE OF THESE FULLY MEET THE REQUIREMENTS. THE RESULTS OF A QUESTIONNAIRE SURVEY OF THE NEW SOUTH WALES BLIND POPULATION HAVE BEEN USED TO EXAMINE THE EXTENT OF THE PROBLEM. IT IS SHOWN THAT TACTILE SIGNALS HAVE DEFINITE SHORTCOMINGS, AND IN THIS REGARD THE CHARACTERISTICS OF A SOUND SIGNAL ARE FURTHER EXAMINED. THE WARRANTS FOR SOUND SIGNALS ARE DISCUSSED, AND RECOMMENDATIONS ARE MADE FOR A PRACTICAL SYSTEM WHICH WILL BE THE SUBJECT OF FURTHER RESEARCH. (A). FOR THE COVERING ABSTRACT OF THE CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS SEE IRRD ABSTRACT NO. 226354.
Samenvatting