From: Steve Zielinski 
Subject: Re: Why the NFB
Al,
	I wonder if part of the reason that NFB promoted a high tech 
method of platform edge detection was because it was hoped that a device 
could be made small enough to be inobtrusive for the blind person to 
use.  In that way, a blind person would get whatever benefits come from 
knowing where the edge was without the view that it is a special thing 
for the blind, tactile strips out in full view, etc.  Also, I suspect the 
NFB leadership feels that one way or another, some form of warning and 
edge notification method will become prevalent in the country and they 
better try and find a method that will not conflict with the notion of 
needing to not be conspicuous.
	My general feelings about detection strips are different than 
what they were in the past.  I really don't care if they are there or 
not, but do find them to be a little useful when they are there.  Useful 
but not necessary.  A number of the key subway and L stations here in 
Chicago have them, most do not.  I do find that when a station does have 
one, I fell more comfortable moving at a more quicker pace.  Not a huge 
necessity, but useful.  I suspect in time, as the population grows older 
and generally become more feeble, these detectable strips will become 
standard material.  Given that as a fact, assuming it to be true, and 
most definitely the population will age, then it was necessary for the 
NFB leadership to try and circumvent the inevitable with high tech, non 
obtrusive, gizmos.  Just some thoughts.  
+----------------------------+
|  Steve Zielinski  (N8UJS)  |
|      stevez@ripco.com      |
+----------------------------+
---
 # Origin: NFBnet  Internet Email Gateway (1:282/1045)
---------------