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<b>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE<br><br>
<div align="center"><h1><b>NFB President Receives Automotive Innovation
Award</b></h1></div>
<b>Baltimore, Maryland (January 22, 2018):</b> Mark A. Riccobono,
President of the National Federation of the Blind, has received one of
the inaugural Autos2050<sup>SM</sup> awards. The awards are being
presented by the Auto Alliance and the Alliance for Transportation
Innovation.<br><br>
President Riccobono is among twelve state and national political leaders
and automotive innovators who will be honored at a dinner and awards
presentation in Washington, DC on January 24. The new awards and dinner
are part of the larger
<a href="https://nfb.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=9982&qid=2123757">
Autos2050</a><sup>SM</sup>
<a href="https://nfb.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=9982&qid=2123757">
event</a>. <br><br>
On October 25, 2017, the National Federation of the Blind and the Auto
Alliance hosted a
<a href="https://nfb.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=9983&qid=2123757">
first-of-its-kind gathering</a> of consumers with disabilities, auto
representatives, ride-sharing providers, and policymakers. The purpose of
the gathering was to discuss the advances, challenges, and path forward
for autonomous vehicle development. It was a key step in the ongoing
conversation about how autonomous vehicles can be developed and deployed
safely, while considering the needs of the 57 million Americans with
disabilities.<br><br>
On January 29, 2011, President Riccobono became the
<a href="https://nfb.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=9984&qid=2123757">
first blind individual</a> to operate a vehicle independently. He
navigated a course at Daytona International Speedway as a demonstration
of how technology can allow the blind to drive.<br><br>
“As much as I appreciate the honor of this award, its significance is
greater than recognizing the National Federation of the Blind,” President
Riccobono said. “It is also a sign that leaders in the automobile
industry recognize the importance of incorporating the input of the blind
as the next generation of automotive technology is designed. This gives
us hope that new autonomous vehicles will provide a level of mobility and
independence that the blind have never experienced before, enhancing our
ability to live the lives we want.”<br><br>
"The Autos2050 Driving Innovation Awards are designed to honor those
who have made significant contributions over the past year,” said Mitch
Bainwol, president and CEO, Auto Alliance. “Mark and the NFB have been
tireless and effective advocates for the needs of the entire disability
community in the ongoing national debate around the development of
autonomous vehicles.”<br><br>
<br><br>
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About the National Federation of the Blind<br><br>
</b>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=9985&qid=2123757">
www.nfb.org</a>.<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>
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