As a sighted person who has lived with a blind person for nearly 16 years, I have some awareness that, arguably, not many sighted people share. There are some simple things that can be done and must be done, in concert with the Americans with Disabilities Act, to accommodate seeing- and hearing-impaired people. Or, as my husband, who is both, prefers, “blind and deaf” people.

As I walked along Terwilliger Boulevard recently, I noticed several places where signs call motorists’ attention to people crossing the street. In some places there were white crosswalks. We could all benefit from strategic placement of these signs and even more from a sign which shows a person using a cane, as sight-impaired people use.

Perhaps these signs cost a lot. Yet are they worth more than a life lost early, and the resulting trauma to all concerned, including the motorist? We know the answer. It simply needs doing to prevent tragedy.

Most drivers are stressed, many are distracted, many thinking only of what could benefit or harm them or their loved ones. We have to acknowledge reality. Making signs to remind people of what we all forget is humane, realistic and necessary.

May The Oregonian/OregonLive join me and many others in advocating for this simple step.

Diana Richardson, Portland

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