Linda Disney, a Lindon woman who has been blind since birth, has teamed up with the Utah Department of Transportation to promote accessibility for vulnerable road users. Disney is now blind in both eyes due to complications from retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and has completed a rehabilitation program offered by the Division of Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired. "It was the hardest thing that I’ve ever done," Disney told UDOT regarding her training.
Disney has been actively involved in efforts to make crosswalks safer for people with vision impairment. Despite her condition, she has taken a proactive approach to work alongside UDOT to ensure that the state's crosswalks are accessible. Degen Lewis, a UDOT Region Three Traffic Signal Engineer, described Disney's advocacy work by saying, "Linda’s a force of nature." Lewis also shared with UDOT his experience of crossing a street blindfolded to better understand the challenges individuals with blindness face amid busy traffic.
UDOT has since begun to install accessible pedestrian signals (APS) technology widely since 2023, with special attention to routes Disney frequents. These APS systems allow users to trigger crosswalk signals either through movements like nodding or waving, pressing a button, or through the use of an app, which alerts pedestrians when it is safe to walk with audio instructions. The Ped App complements the physical APS by providing vibration and notifications for those who are hearing-impaired.
Disney's advocacy has included underscoring the importance of driver awareness, especially at crosswalks. She recalled instances where drivers broke two of her white canes and failed to offer help or acknowledge their mistake. "My message for drivers would be that when you’re coming across a crosswalk, assume there’s somebody in it," said Disney, as per UDOT. "Pay attention. Even if the light says to turn, pay attention. You could save a life."
