Silverton man struggling to see hope to find way to cross street

SILVERTON, Ohio – Anthony Walker has lived in his Silverton residence for about six years. The 64-year-old told WCPO 9 News that he has struggled with his vision for years and it has gotten worse.

“When I come in everything goes dark red, so I’m really limited now,” Walker said.

Walker said his trouble seeing has turned into trouble traveling. He travels with a walker made for the visually impaired and tells us that he usually goes to the pharmacy about half a kilometer from his apartment to get medicine.

“I was just up there Thursday … I went up there and I came back,” Walker said.

But his ride over the intersection of Plainfield Road and Zinsle Avenue has no crosswalks or signs.

“I have to stand and listen for the cars,” Walker said. “There are no markings, I can’t do anything about that.”

WCPO 9 News

Walker said he was looking for a guide dog to help him get around last fall. He had to submit a video of his living conditions, disclose any medical conditions and show where he goes.

The video submitted to Pilot Dogs, the service dog program based in Columbus, showed Walker walking across his street through an unmarked intersection along his usual route. Walker also explained that he had surgery on his foot, which reduced how much he walks.

In December, Pilot Dogs sent Walker a letter informing him that he had been rejected.

Pilot Dogs told Walker he was refused for three reasons: his medical history and current conditions, orientation and mobility skills in relation to “unsafe street crossings” and lifestyle compatibility.

With a guide dog no longer an option, Walker told us he hopes something can be done.

WCPO spoke with Silver Village Manager Jack Cameron, who informed WCPO that Walker’s intersection is in Silverton on one side and the City of Cincinnati on the other. Still, we connected the two to discuss safety issues at his intersection and the other issues Walker has faced.

Mark Walker | YouTube