Research publications

Billie Bentzen

Noyce, D. A. & Bentzen, B. L. (2006)  Determination of pedestrian pushbutton activation duration at typical signalized intersections. Transportation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board, 1939, 63-68.

Scott, A. C., Myers, L., Barlow, J. M., & Bentzen, B. L. (2006) Accessible pedestrian signals: the effect of pushbutton location and audible WALK indications on pedestrian behavior.  Transportation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board, 1939, 69-76.

Barlow, J. M., Bentzen, B. L. & Bond, T. (2005) Blind pedestrians and the changing technology and geometry of signalized intersections: safety, orientation, and independence.  Journal of Visual Impairment and Blindness, 99, 587-598.

Ashmead, D. H., Wall, R. S., Bentzen, B. L., & Barlow, J. M. (2004) Which crosswalk? Effects of audible pedestrian signal characteristics. ITE Journal, 74(9), 26-31.

Bentzen, B. L., Barlow, J. M. & Bond, T. (2004) Challenges of unfamiliar signalized intersections for pedestrians who are blind: research on safety. Transportation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board, 1878, 51 -57.

Bentzen, B. L., Barlow, J. M. & Franck, L. (2004) Speech messages for accessible pedestrian signals. ITE Journal, 74(9), 20-24.

Wall, R. S., Ashmead, D. H., Bentzen, B. L., & Barlow, J. (2004) Directional guidance of audible pedestrian signals for street crossing. Ergonomics, 47(12), 1318-1338.

Barlow, J. M., Bentzen, B. L. & Tabor, L. (2003) Accessible pedestian signals: synthesis and guide to best practice. National Cooperative Highway Research Program Project 3-62.

Bentzen, B. L., Barlow, J. M. & Franck, L. (2002) Determining recommended language for speech messages used by accessible pedestrian signals: final report. Accessible Design for the Blind. Posted on Institute of Transportation Engineers Accessible Intersections.

Barlow, J. M., Franck, L., Bentzen, B. L. & Sauerburger, D. (2001) Pedestrian clearance intervals at modern intersections: implications for the safety of pedestrians who are visually impaired. Journal of Visual Impairment and Blindness, 95, 663-667.

Crandall, W., Bentzen, B. L., Myers, L., & Brabyn, J. (2001) New orientation and accessibility option for persons with visual impairment: transportation applications for remote infrared audible signage. Clinical and Experimental Optometry, 84(3), 120–131.

Bentzen, B. L., Barlow, J. M., & Franck, L. (2000) Addressing barriers to blind pedestrians at signalized intersections. ITE Journal, 70(9), 32-35.

Bentzen, B. L., Barlow, J. M., & Gubbé, D. (2000) Locator tones for pedestrian signals. Transportation Research Record 1705, 40-42.

Bentzen, B. L., Barlow, J. M., & Tabor, L. (2000) Detectable warnings: synthesis of U.S. and international practice, Washington, DC, US Access Board.

Bentzen, B. L., Crandall, W. F., & Myers, L. (1999) Wayfinding system for transportation services: remote infrared audible signage for transit stations, surface transit, and intersections. Transportation Research Record 1671, 19-26.

Carroll, J. & Bentzen, B. L. (1999) American Council of the Blind survey of intersection accessibility. The Braille Forum, 38, 11-15.

Crandall, W., Bentzen, B. L. & Myers, L. (1999) Remote signage development to address current and emerging access problems for blind individuals. Part III. Emergency information for people with visual impairments: evaluation of five accessible formats. Report to National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research.

Crandall, W., Brabyn, J., Bentzen, B., & Myers, L. (1999) Remote infrared signage evaluation for transit stations and intersections. Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development. 36, 341-355.

Easton, R. D. & Bentzen, B. L. (1999) The effect of extended acoustic training on spatial updating in adults who are congenitally blind. Journal of Visual Impairment and Blindness, 93, 405-415.

Bentzen, B. L. & Tabor, L. (1998) Accessible Pedestrian Signals. Washington, DC, US Access Board.

Crandall, W., Bentzen, B. L. & Myers, L. (1998) Remote Signage development to address current and emerging access problems for blind individuals. Part I. Smith-Kettlewell research on the use of Talking Signs® at light controlled street crossings. Report to National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research.

Crandall, W., Bentzen, B. L. & Myers, L. (1998) Remote Signage development to address current and emerging access problems for blind individuals. Part II. Smith-Kettlewell research on the use of Talking Signs® by people with developmental disabilities. Report to National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research.

Bentzen, B. L. (1997) Environmental Accessibility. In: Blasch, B., Wiener, W. & Welch, R. Foundations of orientation and mobility. New York: American Foundation for the Blind.

Bentzen, B. L. (1997) Orientation aids. In: Blasch, B., Wiener, W. & Welch, R. Foundations of orientation and mobility. New York: American Foundation for the Blind.

Bentzen, B. L., Crandall, W.& Myers, L. (1997) Use of remote infrared signage in a complex transit station by persons with developmental delays or dyslexia. Journal of Visual Impairment and Blindness, 91, 407-410.

Bentzen, B. L. & Myers, L.A. (1997) Human factors research, Appendix C in detectable warnings evaluation services. Menlo Park, CA: Crain & Associates, Inc.

Bentzen, B. L. (1996) Transit vehicle signage for persons who are blind or visually impaired. Journal of Visual Impairment and Blindness, 90, 352-356.

Jeka, J. J., Easton R. D., Bentzen, B. L. & Lackner, J. R. (1996) Haptic cues for orientation and postural control in sighted and blind individuals. Perception & Psychophysics, 58, 409-423.

Barlow, J. & Bentzen, B. L. (1995) Cues blind travelers use to detect streets. Technical report. Volpe National Transportation Systems Center, Federal Transit Administration.

Bentzen, B. L. & Barlow, J. M. (1995) Impact of curb ramps on safety of persons who are blind. Journal of Visual Impairment and Blindness, 89, 319-328.

Bentzen, B. L. & Mitchell, P. A. (1995) Audible signage as a wayfinding aid: comparison of Verbal Landmark® with Talking Signs®. Journal of Visual Impairment and Blindness, 89, 494-505.

Bentzen, B. L., Myers, L., & Crandall, W. F. (1995) Talking Signs system: guide for trainers. Federal Transit Administration and Project ACTION of the National Easter Seal Society.

Crandall, W., Bentzen, B. L. & Myers, L. (1995) Infrared remote signage for people who are blind or print disabled: Part II: a public transit accessibility study. Final Report. Federal Transit Administration and Project ACTION of the National Easter Seal Society.

Crandall, W. F., Bentzen, B. L., & Myers, L. (1995) Remote infrared signage for people who are blind or print disabled: a surface transit accessibility study. Final Report. US Department of Transportation, Federal Transit Administration and Project ACTION of the National Easter Seal Society.

Crandall, W., Bentzen, B. L., Myers, L. & Mitchell, P. (1995) Transit accessibility improvement through Talking Signs® remote infrared signage: a demonstration and evaluation. Federal Transit Administration and Project ACTION of the National Easter Seal Society.

Crandall, W., Bentzen, B. L., Myers, L. & Steed, D. (1995) Talking Signs remote infrared signage: a guide for transit managers. Federal Transit Administration and Project ACTION of the National Easter Seal Society.

Barlow, J. & Bentzen, B.(1994) Cues blind travelers use to detect streets. Technical Report. Cambridge, MA: U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Transit Administration, Volpe National Transportation Systems Center.

Bentzen, B. L. (1994) Detectable warnings in transit facilities: Safety & negotiability. Federal Transit Administration and Project ACTION of the National Easter Seal Society.

Bentzen, B. L., Nolin, T. L. & Easton, R. D. (1994) Detectable warning surfaces: color, contrast and reflectance. Final report. US Department of Transportation, Federal Transit Administration, Volpe National Transportation Systems Center. VNTSC-DTRS 57-93-P-80546.

Bentzen, B. L., Nolin, T. L., Easton, R. D., Desmarais, L. & Mitchell, P. A. (1994) Detectable warnings: safety & negotiability on slopes for persons who are physically impaired. Federal Transit Administration and Project ACTION of the National Easter Seal Society.

Bentzen, B. L., Nolin, T. L., Easton, R. D., Desmarais, L. & Mitchell, P.A. (1994) Detectable warning surfaces: detectability by individuals with visual impairments, and safety and negotiability for individuals with physical impairments.  Final report DOT-VNTSC-FTA-94-4 and FTA-MA-06-0201-94-2. U. S. Department of Transportation, Federal Transit Administration, Volpe National Transportation Systems Center, and Project ACTION, National Easter Seal Society.

Bentzen, B. L., Nolin, T. L., Easton, R. D. & Mitchell, P. A. (1994) Signage specifications for transit vehicles: human factors research. Final report B-AH No. 09073-163-R0723-888R.2. Booz-Allen & Hamilton.

Crandall, W., Bentzen, B. L., Mitchell, P. & Rosen, S. (1994) Infrared remote signage for the blind and print handicapped: an orientation and mobility study. Final report. National Easter Seal Society Research Program.

Bentzen, B. L. (1991) Spatial updating in the blind: effects of training with air sonar versus sounding objects. Doctoral Dissertation. Boston College, 1991. (Dissertation Abstracts International--B, 52/11, p. 611.)

Bentzen, B. L. (1989) Considerations in the design of tactile maps for use by visually impaired travelers on rail rapid transit. Vol. 7 of Enhancing the use of rail rapid transit by visually impaired travelers, US Department of Transportation, Report No. UMTA-MA-06-0141-88-7.

Bentzen, B. L. (1989) Enhanced transit telephone information systems to promote accessibility of transit to visually impaired travelers. Vol. 6 of Enhancing the use of rail rapid transit by visually impaired travelers, US Department of Transportation, Report No. UMTA-MA-06-0141-88-6.

Bentzen, B. L. (1989) Specifications for letters and numerals for touch reading. Vol. 9 of Enhancing the use of rail rapid transit by visually impaired travelers, US Department of Transportation, Report No. UMTA-MA-06-0141-88-9.

Bentzen, B. L. & Peck, A. F. (1989) In-transit research concerning tactile warnings to promote safety in the vicinity of transit platform edges, Vol. 4 of Enhancing the use of rail rapid transit by visually impaired travelers, US Department of Transportation, Report No. UMTA-MA-06-0141-88-4.

Bentzen, B. L. & Peck, A. F. (1989) Laboratory research concerning tactile warnings to promote safety in the vicinity of transit platform edges, Vol. 3 of Enhancing the use of rail rapid transit by visually impaired travelers, US Department of Transportation, Report No. UMTA-MA-06-0141-88-3.

Bentzen, B. L. & Peck, A. F. (1989) Tactile warnings to promote safety in the vicinity of transit platform edges: laboratory testing of Pathfinder Warning Tile vs. "corduroy", Vol. 5 of Enhancing the use of rail rapid transit by visually impaired travelers, US Department of Transportation, Report No. UMTA-MA-06-0141-88-5.

Peck, A. F. & Bentzen, B. L. (1987) Tactile warnings to promote safety in the vicinity of transit platform edges. US Department of Transportation, Urban Mass Transportation Administration, Report No. UMTA-MA-06-0120-87-1.

Easton, R. D. & Bentzen, B. L. (1987) Memory for verbally presented routes: a comparison of strategies used by blind and sighted people. Journal of Visual Impairment and Blindness, 81, 100-105.

Bentzen, B. L. (1984) Accessibility: guidelines for blindness professionals, Yearbook of the Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired, 1984.