Fort Wayne installs auditory crosswalks for blind athletes

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (AP) - Indiana's second-largest city has installed three auditory crosswalks to help blind athletes attending an upcoming sports event.

Fort Wayne is hosting the 2019 International Blind Sports Federation Qualifying Competition from June 28 to July 9.

The city's Public Works Division partnered with Turnstone and Visit Fort Wayne to install crosswalks at three intersections that give voice instructions to pedestrians.

Fort Wayne spokesman John Perlich tells The Journal Gazette that each crosswalk cost about $6,000.

The crosswalks will aid athletes and guests during the competition, which will feature goalball and judo.

Some 600 athletes from over 40 countries will take part in the event, which will be the largest international event to ever be held in Fort Wayne.

Top performers will qualify for the 2020 Paralympic Games in Tokyo.

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Information from: The Journal Gazette, http://www.journalgazette.net