What is an Accessible Pedestrian Signal?

An Accessible Pedestrian Signal, or APS, is a device attached to a pedestrian signal head (also known as a "ped head"). The "ped head" is the part of the crosswalk light system that signals pedestrians when it’s safe to walk. This could be displayed through text like "Walk," icons like a hand or walking figure, or lights that turn on in white or red. However, these visual cues aren't helpful for pedestrians who are blind or have low vision.

That’s where APS comes in. Instead of relying on sight, APS provides non-visual cues, such as:

• Audible tones: This might be a beeping sound, a voice that says "Walk," or another sound that indicates it’s safe to cross.

• Tactile feedback: Some APS devices vibrate to signal when it’s time to cross, offering a sensory cue for individuals with visual impairments.

How Does APS Work? 

Most APS devices require the pedestrian to press a button located at the crosswalk. These buttons usually correspond to a specific crossing direction. After pressing the correct button, the pedestrian needs to align themselves with the curb and wait for the signal. When the pedestrian signal turns white, indicating it's safe to walk, the APS device activates an auditory or tactile cue, signaling to the pedestrian to begin crossing.

For individuals with visual impairments, timing is everything. APS devices often work in sync with parallel traffic, meaning that the pedestrian is guided to cross when the cars moving in the same direction are also proceeding. This alignment provides an extra layer of safety, as the pedestrian can use both the sound of the APS and the moving traffic as a guide.

Here’s a A Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Find the Button
   Look for the APS button at the intersection, usually near the curb or crosswalk. It’s often positioned next to the street sign or pole.

2. Press the Button
   Once located, press the button that corresponds to the direction you want to cross. Each button is usually connected to a specific crosswalk.

3. Line Up with the Curb
   After pressing the button, align yourself with the curb to ensure you’re positioned correctly for crossing.

4. Listen or Feel for the Signal
   Wait for the APS signal to activate. Depending on the device, this might be an audible cue (like a beep or voice) or a tactile vibration that indicates it’s safe to walk.

5. Cross with Parallel Traffic
   When the signal indicates it’s safe to cross, begin walking. Ideally, you should cross in sync with the parallel traffic moving in the same direction, using the sound of the cars as an additional guide.

6. Be Aware of Timing
   APS systems are designed to work with traffic signals, but sometimes they can be out of sync. Always ensure it’s safe before stepping into the intersection, even if the APS signal has gone off.

Do Accessible Pedestrian Signals Always Work?

Here’s where things get tricky. While APS devices are designed to make intersections more accessible, they don’t always work perfectly. For example, in one instance, the APS signal indicated it was time to walk while the light was still in the middle of its cycle—meaning it wasn’t actually safe to cross. These kinds of timing issues can pose serious risks for pedestrians who rely on APS, especially if there’s no parallel traffic to offer additional audio cues.

In cases where the APS isn’t functioning correctly or doesn’t match the traffic flow, orientation and mobility specialists teach strategies for safely navigating these situations. Understanding the flow of parallel traffic, for example, can serve as a backup if the APS signal goes off too early.

How O&M Specialists Teach and Advocate for APS

Orientation and Mobility (O&M) specialists play a key role in teaching individuals with visual impairments how to safely navigate intersections with APS. O&M specialists emphasize the importance of listening for parallel traffic and using the APS signal as a guide, but not as the only tool. If the APS is not functioning properly, O&M specialists might also advocate for improvements or maintenance of these devices in the community.

Topics: Accessible Pedestrian Signals, APS for Visual Impairments, how APS works, pedestrian safety, O&M strategies, APS guide, street safety for visually impaired, accessible crosswalks, APS navigation, O&M tips, pedestrian signal accessibility, non-visual signals, urban navigation, APS advocacy, assistive street devices, APS issues, O&M teaching, visual impairment navigation, crosswalk signals, using APS.