Which Disabilities?

One coalition states that it is glad to see the US House of Representatives and the Senate actively passing and pushing federal legislation to promote autonomous vehicles (AVs), particularly on behalf of people with disabilities.

This is what CFM says about AV transportation for people with disabilities:

Blind people. Older Americans. Veterans. They all deserve more mobility. Self-driving cars will make that possible. Along with more freedom, Autonomous Vehicles can increase ride sharing, which saves money. Money that can be spent living the life they want.

This CFM dream, however, requires accessible vehicles with universal design that work for people of different ability and disability levels. Who is the Coalition for Future Mobility (CFM)? CFM membership includes two organizations that represent people who are blind, a veterans organization, one organization representing seniors, but most of the others are various roadway and auto alliances. And Lyft.

Waymo has also showcased people with visual disabilities. They require accessible interfaces, but not accessible vehicles.

More inclusive?

Another coalition, the Self-Driving Coalition for Safer Streets, also advocates that AVs will be liberating for people with disabilities, but their non-voting members go beyond people with visual disabilities. The powerful MADD - Mothers Against Drunk Drivers is a prominent parter as well.

It should be noted that of the many organizations representing people with disabilities, particularly mobility disabilities, not many are actively advocating on the topic of AVs and most are not listed as members of any AV coalition.

Not all disabilities are created equal and if organizations representing people with disabilities split off into those whose conditions are cheaper and easier for AV manufacturers to serve and those who are more expensive to serve then we will not achieve equitable results.

Senior power

AARP Highly Automated Vehicle Policy - AARP has come out against "the use of partially automated vehicles on non-controlled access roads, such as city streets." AARP points out that one-third of Americans do not drive, including older adults. This organization is advocating that AVs bring with them a more equitable transportation system. [Image is from part of AARP Policy.]