[Nfbnet-members-list] National Federation of the Blind & Automakers Host Conference on the Promise of Autonomous Vehicles and the Disability Community
National Federation of the Blind
webmaster at nfb.org
Fri Oct 27 01:54:22 UTC 2017
For Immediate
Release
CONTACT:
Chris Danielsen
Director of Public Relations
National Federation of the Blind
(410) 659-9314, extension 2330
(410) 262-1281 (Cell)
<mailto:cdanielsen at nfb.org>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 NFBs 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 Senates 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 days 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 Americas 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
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