Remote Infrared Audible Signs (RIAS)

resolution draft language

Whereas
Title II of the ADA states that: “no qualified individual with a disability shall, by reason of such disability, be excluded from participation in or be denied the benefits of the services, programs or activities of a public entity, or be subject to discrimination by any such entity.”

And whereas
Remote Infrared Audible Signs have been proven through various studies and extensive use to provide an effective wayfinding system and greatly enhanced access to the built environment, transportation facilities, and vehicles by people who are blind or visually impaired;

And whereas
Remote Infrared Audible Signs have been installed in many cities in the United States, Japan and Norway and is being installed in the new headquarters for the Canadian National Institute for the Blind in Toronto, Canada;

And whereas
The American National Standards Institute will publish the Remote Infrared Audible Signs specification in section 17.3 of its 2003 ANSI Standards Manual so that the RIAS wayfinding system will function seamlessly from city to city and application to application;

And whereas
This installation of Remote Infrared Audible Signs would greatly enhance accessibility for blind veterans to Veterans Hospitals;

And whereas
A major citywide installation which provides seamless, multi-modal transportation accessibility would prove the value of Remote Infrared Audible Signs as a vital assistive utility to users;

Therefore be it resolved that

The Blinded Veterans Association supports the installation of Remote Infrared Audible Signs at Veterans Hospitals and in transportation systems and public buildings to enhance independent travel for people who are blind or visually impaired.. This specifically includes support of the Washington Area Model Accessibility Project now being considered for Washington, DC and surrounded areas.