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

Danielsen, Chris CDanielsen at nfb.org
Sat Sep 30 22:42:03 UTC 2017


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

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