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Audible Information Devices (AID)

Audible Information Devices (AID) are intended to supply blind and low-vision pedestrians with audible information that is equivalent to visual signage for unsignalized crosswalks, sidewalk closures, and detours.

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7,485+
pedestrians killed yearly
75%
of pedestrian fatalities occur away from intersections
32 million
adults in the US have vision loss 
7,485+ pedestrians killed yearly 
75% of pedestrian fatalities occur away from intersections 
32 million
adults in the US have vision loss 

Accessibility Requirements

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

Federal law that requires agencies to make public facilities accessible.

  • Agencies must ensure equal access to services and communications
  • Operable parts must be usable with one hand
  • Must not require more than 5 lbs force to operate

 

Learn more about ADA guidelines

Manual for Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD)

Guidance and standards for traffic control devices on public roadways.

  • If AID is used in conjunction with an RRFB, a locator tone shall be provided
  • The audible information device should not use vibrotactile or percussive indications
  • The message should say, “Yellow lights are flashing” (spoken twice)

Learn more about MUTCD guidelines

MEET THE iNX

A compact and compliant AID

  • Supplies blind and low-vision pedestrians with audible information equivalent to visual signage at unsignalized crosswalks
  • Can be used in conjunction with with rectangular rapid flashing beacons (RRFBs) and other flashing crosswalk systems 
  • Self-contained system includes push button, instructional sign, LED light, and speaker 
  • Easy installation and programming with Polara’s Field Service App
  • MUTCD and ADA compliant
iNX Product Page

LEARN

Pedestrian Safety and Universal Access

Featured Article

American Council of the Blind versus the City of New York

New York City has more than 13,000 intersections. The problem is, the vast majority are not accessible to people who are blind or have vision impairments. But that's about to change, after a federal judge ruled that the city must upgrade its signals to audible pedestrian signals (APS) by 2031–a move that will set a new standard for pedestrian accessibility in cities and beyond.


Link

  • PROWAG Crosswalk Requirements

    prowag

    PROWAG is a set of technical specifications developed by the U.S. Access Board to help transportation professionals create accessible routes along public streets. It mandates APS anywhere a pedestrian signal is provided, and is widely expected to become an enforceable standard in 2023.


    February 28, 2023 Link

  • Accessible Pedestrian Signal (APS) Features

    APS technology is constantly improving and new features are being added to help pedestrians with vision and hearing loss get around safely and confidently. Here are some of the main features you should be aware of.   Accessible Pedestrian Signals (APS) have come a long way since the first cuckoo-chirp, pedhead-mounted systems appeared in U.S. […]


    February 25, 2023 Link

  • Polara Partners with Vance Street Capital

    Polara has just partnered with an outstanding and very successful private equity firm called Vance Street Capital. Polara has tremendous growth opportunities ahead of us. This partnership with Vance Street Capital will provide us with their expert advice and capital to allow us to invest in and improve existing processes and accelerate new product development. […]


    December 6, 2021 Link