Braille Inforamtion Labels Help Visually Impaired Taxi Riders




st/braille.pr                  Contact:  Carolyn Biggins, (301) 217-2184


BRAILLE INFORMATION LABELS 
HELP VISUALLY IMPAIRED TAXI RIDERS     For Immediate Release (Sept. 26, 1996)


     Effective October 1, 1996, taxicabs in Montgomery County will have
braille labels installed on all information packs found inside the taxicabs. 
The information packs are plastic pouches, found in the rear of the taxicab
behind the driver's seat, which identify the taxicab company, its telephone
number, and taxicab number in large print.  The braille label duplicates this
information for the visually disabled passenger.
     This innovative effort is an addition to the existing taxicab services
provided for the visually disabled community, which include large print
information packs and free rides for service animals.  These services were
developed by the Montgomery County Department of Public Works and
Transportation's Taxicab Unit, with the cooperation of the Volunteers for the
Visually Handicapped and the taxicab industry.  The Taxicab Unit regulates
taxicabs in Montgomery County.
     Visually disabled passengers are encouraged to read the label upon
entering the taxicab.  Passengers who wish to comment on taxicab service may
contact either the taxicab company or the County's Taxicab Unit.  If a
passenger identifies the taxicab, date, and time of the ride, it is easier to
accurately pinpoint problems.

                                  (more)

BRAILLE INFORMATION LABELS                             2-2-2-2

     Carolyn Biggins, Chief, Division of Transit Service, said, "The County
strives to bring safe, dependable public transportation to all its customers
and to instill trust and confidence at the same time.  We are proud of this
unique program and will continue to look for new ways to meet our customers'
transportation needs."
     Gail Snider, public education coordinator for Volunteers for the
Visually Handicapped, said, "This program is one of the first of its kind in
the country.  It's great news for the visually disabled."
     For more information, call the County's Taxicab Unit at (301) 217-CABS.
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