[Njtechdiv] giving disability employment a lift

[Mario Brusco]

the following snip it is from the Heightened Independence and Progress 
latest newsletter:

Self-Driving Cars Could Lift Disability Employment

Boston Herald/THS January 31,2017

BOSTON - Self-driving cars aren't criss-crossing the streets just yet, 
but disability advocates are already looking to the technology as a 
potential solution for those who can't get around on their own.
In a study released by the Boston- based Ruderman Family Foundation, 
researchers found self-driving cars would dramatically improve the lives 
of residents with disabilities by making it easier and cheaper for them 
to travel - especially to and from a job.
"Approximately 2 million individuals with disabilities would have new 
employment opportunities," the study said. "New transportation 
technologies have the potential to help those with disabilities enjoy 
the activities that those without disabilities take for granted."
Many expect self-driving cars to upend the traditional concept of car 
ownership, transitioning to a shared model along the lines of Uber or 
Zipcar.
Although disability advocate Sarah Kaplan still has a lot of questions 
about the technology, she said self-driving cars could be a 
difference-maker when they're ready for the road.
"In theory, the idea is wonderful, I think it would increase the 
possibilities for employment for a lot of people with disabilities," 
said Kaplan, who has cerebral palsy and uses a motorized wheelchair much 
of the time.
"Public transportation is not something that's easily accessible," she 
added, "In a lot of parts of the country, those services aren't available."
Sertac Karaman, president of the Cambridge-based Optimus Ride, which is 
developing self-driving technology, said his company is "really 
interested in being able to work with people with disabilities." The 
organization is working with the Perkins School for the Blind to 
identify ways autonomous vehicles can help those with visual impairment.
"A lot of people when they think about (artificial intelligence) and 
robotics, they think it's going to put a lot of people out of work," 
Karaman said, "but there are a lot of people with disabilities who will 
be able to work."

© 2017 Boston Herald, Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC