Blind Child Area
I had never seen one of these before.
At first, I thought it was a joke…or a hallucination. It was just too out of place and strange to be real. But it was, to my dismay, real. Apparently parents of blind children (up to the age 12) can request that the city install a “Blind Child Area” sign that warns oncoming traffic of the possibility that a blind child will wander into the street. I guess that’s what it’s for. It just seems like such a strange policy. I suppose coming from a suburban city, I haven’t been exposed to stuff like this (although I would argue some people in Elk Grove drive a lot meaner and faster than in Philly). All in all, it feels unnecessary and kind of arbitrary. I can think of plenty of other people I’d rather be warned about. How about “Irresponsible, Wandering Child Area” or “Old Person Area” or “Crack House Area.” Nothing against blind children – I understand the need to make everyone in the neighborhood aware, but it sort of jolted me.
Every time I ride by the sign, I go extra slow and peak around cars to make sure no blind children are wandering in the street. Not sure, though, if this is simply increased awareness or contributing to an unhealthy paternalism of the blind.
Either way, I’m driving slower. And I suppose that’s a good thing in the end.
- Jeff
OMG – I hope a blind child is wandering around alone. I have never seen a sign like that before either. Very different. Reminds me of a sign I saw on the freeway from LA to San Diego with people holding hands walking – warning us to be aware of people crossing the freeway. Illegals coming from Mexico – that was amazing too! Drive SLOW, that’s all I can say. Love ya, Mom
We don’t have any like that here, but do have signs warning drivers that there are deaf children in certain areas.
Hope all is well,
Aishah