In the four chapters of this essay, the Talking Signs philosophy to accessibility is discussed. This first chapter deals with the need for a system to enable visually impaired travelers to make independent use of public transportation. Various solutions are evaluated. Orientation and mobility are distinct areas that assume importance in any discussion of transportation access and the visually impaired.
Mobility has to do with moving about physically in the everyday environment, in traffic, etc.
Orientation concerns finding one's way through the environment. Traditionally, people who work with the visually impaired have concentrated on problems of mobility. Little has been done about orientation, usually concentrating on rote learning of fixed routes used repetitively. This Paper is concerned with factors affecting orientation, especially in public transportation environments. In orientation for sighted people, particularly in urban settings and in connection with public transportation, the signs are indispensable when using a new route or waiting for a bus or train where more than one variety loads.