Inclusive Automated Vehicle Accessibility

Presented By Michelle Truss

This Movement Is Currently
In The Fundraising Stage.

AUTONOMOUS VEHICLES: PROMISE OR BARRIER?

Autonomous vehicle technology promises to revolutionize mobility—potentially providing unprecedented independence for millions currently unable to drive. However, without intentional design and policy, these technologies could create new barriers rather than opportunities:

• 57 million Americans with disabilities could benefit from accessible autonomous transportation

• Current AV designs often assume passengers without disabilities

• Touchscreen interfaces may be inaccessible to visually impaired usersity

• Historic pattern of transportation innovations initially excluding accessibility

This pivotal moment in transportation evolution provides a critical opportunity to embed accessibility from the beginning rather than retrofitting as an afterthought.

OUR INCLUSIVE MOBILITY FRAMEWORK

Our proposed legislation would establish comprehensive accessibility requirements through five integrated components:

1. UNIVERSAL DESIGN STANDARDS & REQUIREMENTS

• Physical accessibility standards for vehicle entry and interior

• User interface accessibility requirements for diverse abilities

• Service animal accommodation requirements

• Cognitive accessibility standards for user interactions

• Testing protocols verifying accessibility compliance

2. INCLUSIVE TESTING & DEVELOPMENT MANDATES

• Diverse user testing requirements throughout development

• Disability community representation in standards development

• Accessibility impact assessments for new technologies

• Funding for accessibility-focused research and development

• Cross-disability testing ensuring comprehensive inclusion

3. DEPLOYMENT & SERVICE REQUIREMENTS

• Geographic equity in service area coverage

• Payment system accessibility across socioeconomic status

• Non-smartphone access options for booking and payment

• Language access requirements for diverse communities

• Customer service standards for users with disabilities

4. WORKFORCE & ECONOMIC INCLUSION

• Job training for people with disabilities in AV-related fields

• Economic impact mitigation for potentially displaced workers

• Entrepreneurship opportunities in accessibility solutions

• Transition assistance for transportation workers affected by automation

5. DATA COLLECTION & CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT

• Standardized accessibility performance metrics

• Regular reporting requirements on service to underserved groups

• User feedback mechanisms accessible to all populations

• Annual accessibility innovation summit requirements

IMPLEMENTATION APPROACH

The legislation would establish a Mobility Innovation Accessibility Office within the Department of Transportation with $75 million in annual funding. Implementation would emphasize:

• Technology-neutral standards focusing on outcomes rather than methods

• Performance-based requirements allowing innovative solutions

• International coordination supporting global standards alignment

• Continuous improvement based on real-world implementation

Our coalition includes disability rights organizations, aging advocates, transportation equity groups, industry leaders committed to inclusive design, and technology developers focused on accessibility solutions.

Your support will help ensure autonomous vehicle technology fulfills its potential to provide unprecedented mobility for all Americans—regardless of ability, age, income, or geography—by embedding accessibility as a fundamental requirement rather than an optional feature.