BLVPP Executive Summary

The Blind and Low Vision Priorities Project (BLVPP) is the first community research project of its kind. Never before has there been a formal assessment among people who are blind and low vision of their priorities for improving and increasing access to public services in San Francisco.

In related literature, few assessments go beyond issues of medical care and rehabilitation. This study is the first to address architectural and programmatic access to government departments and services. The project was the result of collaboration between LightHouse for the Blind and the San Francisco Mayor’s Office on Disability in 2006 and 2007. Results of a telephone survey, leadership polls, and multiple focus groups show that accessible public transportation, travel, and public pathways are of greatest concern to people who are blind and low vision in San Francisco.

Problems with public transit and public pathways keep blind and low vision residents from being able to navigate San Francisco with safety and convenience. Significantly, however, the community did not call for major policy changes or new technological fixes to redress their concerns. Instead, most of their recommendations involved enforcing compliance with existing laws and regulations and wider application of existing technologies.

Key Findings:

  • Sixty percent (60.6%) of blind survey respondents, and one-third (32.8%) of low vision respondents frequently encounter intrusions into the path of travel. The most common obstacles were sidewalks in poor condition, street furniture and signs, construction sites and scaffolding, protruding steps and street trees, and vehicles blocking the sidewalk.
  • Almost all blind and low vision participants reported difficulties with citywide navigation. More than sixty percent (61.4%) of respondents would find audible signals at crosswalks the most helpful solution to address barriers to citywide navigation.
  • Although seventy-three percent (72.9%) of blind and low vision transit riders would find ”talking” buses and MUNI trains most useful for accessible transit, MUNI bus drivers frequently fail to use the automated Digital Voice Announcement System (DVAS). Nor are operators calling out the stops in lieu of using the DVAS, as required.
  • Disabled access seats on MUNI are rarely available as intended, and drivers do not consistently ask other riders to yield the seats.
  • Sixty-four percent (63.6%) of blind and low vision survey respondents were not aware that they have the right to ask staff of city programs to provide information in alternative formats.
  • Sixty-six percent (66.2%) of respondents said they did not know they could call the Mayor’s Office on Disability to complain about city services.

Key Recommendations:

  • Enforce laws and policies about keeping public pathways clear;
  • Increase responsiveness of the Department of Public Works and Department of Parking and Traffic to complaints;
  • Install standardized, accessible pedestrian signals citywide;
  • Expand and enforce the use of audible announcements on public transit vehicles and at transit stops;
  • Improve signage and other navigation aids at transit stops and stations;
  • Address transit operators’ behavior and adherence to regulations;
  • Upgrade customer service to people who are blind and low vision;
  • Train city employees about how to assist people with disabilities;
  • Provide informational materials in a variety of alternative formats; and
  • Educate people who are blind and low vision about their rights and grievance procedures.

Additional Findings and Recommendations:

As the first study of its kind, the BLVPP addressed the most urgent priorities and needs of people who are blind and low vision. Participants in the survey and focus groups also had the following recommendations for increased access in other areas of city services:

  • Voting: Provide voting materials in alternative formats, training on accessible voting machines, and increased visibility for polling place signage.
  • Public Art: Provide audio description of public art exhibits where the art is located. Provide flexibility in alternative formats.
  • Public Safety and Emergencies: Provide automatic audio announcements or staff assistance for blind or low vision people during emergency building evacuations.

Many areas for further investigation remain. These areas relate to public safety, arts and recreation, housing, health and social services, and other administrative services. Based on the prioritization by survey respondents, the BLVPP Steering Committee recommends that the City undertake additional blind and low vision community assessment projects, first focusing on access to public health and social services.

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