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Lorem Ipsum Dolor Spring 2016
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Before looking into the presence or absence of APS on college
campuses and whether that means anything in regards to student safety, it is
important to first address the already present convictions towards these
signals. For example, Gary Mackenstadt (1983) argues against the
implementation of APS technology because they "encourage the thought that,
even with proper training, those with a visual impairment cannot successfully
navigate street crossings without additional assistance that aren't their own
devices," (Vol. 2, No. 3). Does this conviction still hold true? Is the apparent
lack of a seemingly helpful technology actually due to it being a bigger
hindrance? These questions are what formed the basis of this particular
research survey.
At Kutztown University, there has been an audible pedestrian signal at
the intersection between the building known as Old Main and the Schaeffer
Auditorium since 1989. According to the Office of Disabilities, this signal was
put in place to comply with up-and-coming ADA standards, which would help
make the campus more accessible for all students. Using this information as
a basis of inquiry, a set of survey questions was developed and then sent to
the private colleges and universities in the state of Pennsylvania to see if the
same mindset held true. Seventy-three schools were surveyed, and many of
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