[Nd-talk] FW: National Federation of the Blind & Automakers Host Conference on the Promise of Autonomous Vehicles and the Disability Community

Fri Oct 27 15:16:06 UTC 2017

I thought all of you should know what is going on with autonomous vehicles!
I find each step forward so exciting! 

Sherry Shirek

For Immediate Release

CONTACT: Chris Danielsen
Director of Public Relations

National Federation of the Blind
(410) 659-9314, extension 2330
(410) 262-1281 (Cell)
cdanielsen at nfb.org <mailto:cdanielsen at nfb.org> 
Scott Hall 
Director of Communications & Public Affairs
Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers
202-326-5571
shall at autoalliance.org

National Federation of the Blind and Automakers Host Conference on the
Promise of Autonomous Vehicles and the Disability Community
Diverse group of attendees focus on accessibility of autonomous vehicles for
the disabled

Baltimore, MD - Yesterday the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) and the
Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers ("Auto Alliance") hosted a conference
titled "The Promise: Autonomous Vehicles and the Disability Community". The
event was hosted at NFB's Jernigan Institute in Baltimore, Maryland.  
The conference brought together representatives from government, the
automotive industry and advocates for the disabled to discuss the advances,
challenges, and path forward for autonomous vehicle
development."Historically, accessibility has been a costly post-purchase
vehicle modification for most people with disabilities, and nonexistent for
the blind," said Mark Riccobono, President of the National Federation of the
Blind. "The National Federation of the Blind was therefore pleased to
co-host this first-of-its-kind gathering of disabled consumers, automotive
industry representatives, ride-sharing providers, and policymakers, laying
the groundwork for accessibility to be included in the development of
promising new vehicle technologies rather than as an afterthought.
Discussion between industry and disabled consumers has already had a
positive impact on the Senate's AV START legislation, and our continued work
together will pave the way for autonomous vehicles to become tools that will
truly enhance independence and opportunity for the blind and other disabled
travelers.""Automakers have been developing self-driving technologies for
years. We are motivated by the tremendous potential for enhanced safety for
everyone and the opportunity to provide greater mobility freedom to people
with disabilities and the elderly," said Mitch Bainwol, President and CEO of
the Auto Alliance. "Given the enormity of the social benefits, we are
anxious to work with stakeholders and government leaders to develop the
policy framework to realize these benefits as soon as we can."The conference
was a key step in the ongoing conversation about how autonomous vehicles can
be developed and deployed safely, while considering the needs of those 57
million Americans with disabilities.Autonomous vehicles offer disabled
Americans opportunities for increased mobility and independence, as well as
reliable transportation that could vastly increase employment
opportunities.The National Federation of the Blind and Auto Alliance urge
Congress, the Administration, and original equipment manufacturers alike to
consider the needs of the disabled as they continue to develop the laws,
regulations, and technology that will bring autonomous vehicles to the
masses.The day's speakers included representatives of the disability
community (including the National Association of the Deaf, National
Federation of the Blind, Paralyzed Veterans of America, American Association
of People with Disabilities, United Spinal Association, American Council of
the Blind, and National Down Syndrome Society); the automotive industry
(including General Motors, Audi of America, Daimler North America, and Volvo
Car Group); government (including representatives from the office of Sen.
Gary Peters, D-Mich., the U.S. Department of Labor, and the National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration) and other stakeholders (including
representatives from Uber and Securing America's Future Energy).

##

About the National Federation of the Blind

The National Federation of the Blind (NFB), headquartered in Baltimore, is
the oldest and largest nationwide organization of blind Americans. Founded
in 1940, the NFB consists of affiliates, chapters, and divisions in the
fifty states, Washington DC, and Puerto Rico. The NFB defends the rights of
blind people of all ages and provides information and support to families
with blind children, older Americans who are losing vision, and more. We
believe in the hopes and dreams of blind people and work together to
transform them into reality. Learn more about our many programs and
initiatives at www.nfb.org
<https://nfb.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=9670&qid=1975605
> .

<https://nfb.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=9671&qid=1975605
> 

<https://nfb.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=9672&qid=1975605
> 

<https://nfb.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=9673&qid=1975605
> 

<https://nfb.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=9674&qid=1975605
> 

 <mailto:nfb at nfb.org> 

<https://nfb.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=9675&qid=1975605
>   

National Federation of the Blind | 200 E Wells Street | Baltimore, MD 21230
| (410) 659-9314
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