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<b>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE<br>
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<h1><b>National Federation of the Blind Applauds Introduction of AV START
Act</b></h1>Legislation Will Promote Access to Automated Vehicles for the
Blind<br>
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<b>Baltimore, Maryland (September 29, 2017):</b> Today the National
Federation of the Blind commends Senator John Thune, Chairman of the
Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, Senator Gary
Peters, Senator Roy Blunt, and Senator Debbie Stabenow for introducing
the American Vision for Safer Transportation through Advancement of
Revolutionary Technologies (AV START) Act (S. 1885). This bill will
promote equal access to automated vehicles for the blind and others with
disabilities through the prohibition of discriminatory licensing
practices and the promotion of accessible user interfaces. <br>
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“The advent of automated vehicle technology presents tremendous potential
benefits for the blind and other Americans with disabilities,” said Mark
A. Riccobono, President of the National Federation of the Blind. “From
more reliable transportation to greater access to employment, automated
vehicles will be a valuable tool improving the opportunity of blind
people to live the lives we want. But none of these benefits will
materialize if the principles of equal access and opportunity are not
front and center. The National Federation of the Blind therefore calls
for automated vehicle technology to be accessible to everyone through
nonvisual user interface options and nondiscriminatory public policy, and
applauds Chairman Thune and Senator Peters for introducing a bill that
takes positive steps in that direction.”<br>
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The AV START Act specifically prohibits states from issuing licenses in a
manner that discriminates on the basis of disability. The legislation
also creates a disability access working group, tasked with promulgating
best practices and recommendations on the accessibility of user
interfaces and vehicle design more broadly. The bill specifically denotes
“accessibility” as a component of reporting requirements for vehicle
manufacturers. <br>
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<b>About the National Federation of the Blind <br>
</b>The National Federation of the Blind knows that blindness is not the
characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the
expectations of blind people, because low expectations create obstacles
between blind people and our dreams. You can live the life you want;
blindness is not what holds you back.<br>
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<b>CONTACT:<br>
</b>Chris Danielsen<br>
Director of Public Relations<br>
National Federation of the Blind<br>
(410) 659-9314, extension 2330<br>
(410) 262-1281 (Cell)<br>
<a href="mailto:cdanielsen@nfb.org">cdanielsen@nfb.org</a><br>
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