Specifically, what information on a transit system will be made accessible 
and how will it be communicated?  The message below does not say.  Why not? 
It seems that this is a narrow approach for a single patent holder rather 
than a broad solution that could truly deliver access.

Here in Chicago all our transit buses automatically announce all stops as a 
result of a lawsuit.  the litigation was handled in large part by our 
state's protection and advocacy agency and it has increased access 
tremendously for the blind.  Why lobby for talking signs that could happen 
someday when you could sue and get high quality access today.  the access we 
have does not require anyone to carry around any external device to access 
information, such as a radio receiver to hear the talking signs.

come to Chicago and visit what is very likely the world's most accessible 
transit system for the blind.

Kelly




----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Rachel" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Tuesday, July 25, 2006 9:12 PM
Subject: [VICUG-L] FW: talking buses/trains, letters to transit agencies


> Greetings -
> This message is about encouraging transit systems
> to have talking busses/ trains etc.  Please
> review and pass it on to others who you think
> might be interested in helping.  The link to the
> "accessible signage now" is in the body of the
> text below and makes it easy to fill in your
> information to generate a letter.
> I am hoping that you will be willing to add your
> voice to our efforts to make public
> transportation accessible to people with visual,
> cognitive and learning disabilities. After years
> of advocacy, especially by ACB, sufficient
> acceptance of the importance of orientation
> accessibility has resulted in Congress passing
> legislation create the RIAS MAP, (Remote Infrared
> Audible Signage Model Accessibility Project). The
> RIAS MAP will provide the first regional,
> multi-modal implementation of Remote Infrared
> Audible Signage (Talking Signs®), a proven
> wayfinding and orientation access technology.
> Talking Signs technology is developed and sold by Talking Signs, Inc.
>
> The FTA (Federal Transit Administration), has
> released a request for proposal to transit
> agencies seeking a host city for the RIAS MAP.
> There is a very short time frame for transit agencies to respond.
>
> CALL FOR ACTION!
>
> We need you to join this effort. It is simple and
> takes less than five minutes.
> to
>
> <BLOCKED::http://accessiblesignagenow.org>http://accessiblesignagenow.or
> g
>
>   and log on. A letter will be generated to your
> local transit agency General Manager over your
> name letting him or her know that you encourage
> them to apply for the $2 million in Federal funds
> to make your local buses, paratransit vehicles
> and trains accessible to those who can't see or can't read.
>
> Please join the thousands of people with
> disabilities, advocates, professionals and other
> members of the community who are helping to
> create orientation access for all. Please forward
> this call to action to anyone you know who would
> be willing to contribute his or her voice to this national priority
> project.
>
> Orientation access to public places and public transportation is a
> civil right.
>
> Ward Bond
>
> President
>
> Talking Signs,Inc.
>
> 225-344-2812
>
>
>    VICUG-L is the Visually Impaired Computer User Group List.
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    VICUG-L is the Visually Impaired Computer User Group List.
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