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<br>
<b>For Immediate
Release
<br><br>
</b>
<br><br>
<b>CONTACT:<br><br>
</b>Chris Danielsen<br><br>
Director of Public Relations<br><br>
National Federation of the Blind<br><br>
(410) 659-9314, extension 2330<br><br>
(410) 262-1281 (Cell)<br><br>
<a href="mailto:cdanielsen@nfb.org">cdanielsen@nfb.org</a><br><br>
Scott Hall <br><br>
Director of Communications & Public Affairs<br><br>
Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers<br><br>
202-326-5571<br><br>
shall@autoalliance.org<br><br>
<br><br>
<div align="center"><b>National Federation of the Blind and Automakers
Host Conference on the Promise of Autonomous Vehicles and the Disability
Community<br><br>
<i>Diverse group of attendees focus on accessibility of autonomous
vehicles for the disabled<br><br>
</i></b></div>
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. <br><br>
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.<br><br>
“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.”<br><br>
“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.”<br><br>
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.<br><br>
Autonomous vehicles offer disabled Americans opportunities for increased
mobility and independence, as well as reliable transportation that could
vastly increase employment opportunities.<br><br>
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.<br><br>
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).<br><br>
<div align="center">###<br><br>
</div>
About the National Federation of the Blind<br><br>
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
<a href="https://nfb.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=9670&qid=1975605">
www.nfb.org</a>.<br><br>
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