REQUEST FOR ACTION
WASHINGTON AREA MODEL ACCESSIBILITY PROJECT
(WA-MAP)

BACKGROUND. The effectiveness and versatility of Talking Signs ® remote infrared audible signs as a wayfinding and orientation system for people with visual and print-reading disabilities has been researched and demonstrated through numerous studies, tests and installations for fully twenty years. Installations in the United States, Japan, Norway and Canada are providing reliable, accessible location information in a wide variety of settings, particularly within the public transportation environment including providing destination information that can be received one hundred feet in front of an approaching bus.

However, to date there is no comprehensive, multi-modal seamless demonstration wherein blind travelers can independently navigate complex and unfamiliar public transit systems and stations. The need for a comprehensive region-wide demonstration is clear.

WA-MAP. The Washington Area Model Accessibility Project is a proposed multi-modal installation of remote infrared audible signs within all public transportation systems in the Washington, D.C. area. Talking Sign transmitters would be installed within both Washington, D.C. airports, in all Metro stations, within Union station, at bus shelters, and on WMATA Metro buses. The U.S. Department of Transportation, WMATA, the Washington Airports Authority and Amtrak have for the past 10 years, followed and participated in the development and deployment of this liberating technology.

This proposed national demonstration has support from members of both political parties in both houses of Congress. The objective of this initiative is to get all members of both houses support the WA-MAP project.

ACTION NEEDED. WA-MAP has been supported by resolutions passed at the national conferences of both the American Council of the Blind and the Blinded Veterans Association. Please contact your United States Congressional Representative and Senators and urge the inclusion of WA-MAP in current appropriations considerations and that it be authorized for inclusion in the new Federal Highway capital budget appropriations knows as SAFTEA.

It is our belief that orientation to public transportation is a civil right and that this demonstration project will serve to establish the first truly accessible city for people with visual and print-reading disabilities worldwide.

For further information contact:

Jeff Moyer
440-442-2997
jeff@talkingsigns.com

Ward Bond
225-344-2812
ward@talkingsigns.com