By Dick Davis

Recently I had a revelation about the truncated domes that grace our light rail platforms and an increasing number of street intersections. These domes are detectable warnings for blind people so they know when they are approaching the edge of a street curb, ramp or platform.

Now, I know my friends will be quick to remind me that truncated domes are unnecessary, that they send the wrong message about the travel abilities of the blind, that they trap ice in the winter, and that they interfere with wheelchairs. However, I have found another use for them.

The revelation happened while I was pacing back and forth on the light rail platform at 5th and Nicollet Mall in downtown Minneapolis, waiting with a group from Blindness: Learning in New Dimensions (BLIND), Inc. for a train to arrive. I was walking absentmindedly on the truncated domes at the time, and suddenly it hit me—they felt really good! After a little more walking, I realized that the domes pressing through the soles of my shoes were giving me a great foot massage.

I pointed out this fact to everyone else. Zach Ellingson, one of the BLIND, Inc. travel instructors, tried walking on them and agreed. Others tried it and felt the same way. We were on to something! Since that time, I have made a point of walking on truncated domes whenever I get the chance, and a number of my blind friends do the same.

The experience helped me to look at truncated domes in a new way. No longer were they useless little bumps that sent the message that blind people were incompetent travelers. They were an unrecognized boon to humanity! They were such a boon that I decided to tell everyone about them so we can all enjoy their therapeutic benefits. Hence, the reason for this article.

There’s only one problem with the things. Somebody has put them in potentially dangerous areas like subway platforms, where a person enraptured by a great foot massage may forget that train tracks lurk only five feet away—straight down. We need to remove them from such areas and put them in safer places where everyone can enjoy them without fear of injury.

Since they soothe tired feet, why not put them at the entrances to office buildings where tired workers can get a lift by walking on them as they leave for home? I can see “truncated dome rooms” at gyms and other exercise facilities—much cheaper than foot massages. How about senior centers? And let’s not forget podiatrists’ offices, healthcare facilities, and dance clubs.

In fact, they could become a boutique item. Hammacher Schlemmer and Sharper Image could sell truncated dome mats, instead of putting greens, for busy executive’s offices. Imagine slipping off your shoes and massaging your feet on a truncated dome chair mat under your desk. How luxurious! And cheap, with no electricity or moving parts to break down.

After thinking about all the benefits of truncated domes, I have concluded that we’ve been wasting them on train platforms and street crossings. They need a brand new image:

“Truncated domes – they’re not just for blind people anymore!”

Truncated dome manufacturers could learn a lot from beer commercials. I can see ads featuring beautiful women and gorgeous men getting together at their favorite truncated dome bar for a refreshing foot massage. How about it, truncated dome manufacturers? Are you ready to make some real bucks? (And if by chance there are any royalties, don’t forget—you read it here first!)