Inclusive Design of Autonomous Vehicles
Self-driving or “autonomous” vehicles stand to revolutionize road transportation in the U.S. and around the world. Their cutting-edge technologies and engineering innovations have the potential to significantly expand transit options for many people, including those with disabilities. It is important that autonomous vehicles (AVs) are designed to be inclusive of everyone.
In the spring of 2021, the U.S. Access Board hosted a four-part series of virtual meetings on making AVs accessible to passengers with disabilities. The Board provided an open forum where members of the public and stakeholders can discuss considerations, challenges, and solutions in designing accessible AVs. The sessions covered accessibility for passengers with mobility, sensory, or cognitive disabilities. The sessions were free and open to the public. Attendees were able to pose questions and share comments, suggestions, and information.
The Board undertook this initiative jointly with other agencies, including the Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) and the Department of Health and Human Service’s Administration for Community Living.
A summary report on the forum is available online.
Visitors interested in the AV forum and sessions might also wish to review the following:
- Forum Session Recordings and Presentation Materials
- Original Press Release (February 11, 2021)
- Press Release on Session I (March 15, 2021)
- Press Release on Session II (March 25, 2021)
- Press Release on Session III (April 08, 2021)
- Press Release on Session IV (April 22, 2021)
Resources
- Updated Guidelines for Buses and Vans (2016)
- ADA accessibility standards for transportation vehicles (1991, 1998)
- DOT AV reference hub
- DOT Inclusive Design challenge
- Partners for Automated Vehicle Education (PAVE) Resource List on Inclusive AV Design
- University at Buffalo IDEA Center
For More Information
Additional resources will be posted on this page as they become available. You can sign up to receive details and other updates on the sessions by email.
Direct questions to Juliet Shoultz at ta@access-board.gov or call 202-272-0045.