[Nfbofnc] Fwd: [Nfbnet-members-list] National Federation of the Blind Applauds Introduction of AV START Act

[Kenia Flores]

Good evening, everyone,

Please read below regarding our latest bill in the Senate. I encourage
 you all to call our Senators and ask them to co-sponsor the bill.

 Best,
 Kenia Flores


Kenia Flores
North Carolina Legislative Director
President, North Carolina Association of Blind Students



---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "Danielsen, Chris via NFBNet-Members-List"
<nfbnet-members-list at nfbnet.org>
Date: Sat, 30 Sep 2017 17:42:03 -0500
Subject: [Nfbnet-members-list] National Federation of the Blind
Applauds Introduction of AV START Act
To: nfbnet-members-list at nfbnet.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE



National Federation of the Blind Applauds Introduction of AV START Act

Legislation Will Promote Access to Automated Vehicles for the Blind

Baltimore, Maryland (September 29, 2017): 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.

"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."

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.

###

About the National Federation of the Blind
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.

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