[Nfbnet-members-list] NFB President Receives Automotive Innovation Award

Tue Jan 23 03:37:33 UTC 2018

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NFB President Receives Automotive Innovation Award

Baltimore, Maryland (January 22, 2018): Mark A. Riccobono, President 
of the National Federation of the Blind, has received one of the 
inaugural Autos2050SM awards. The awards are being presented by the 
Auto Alliance and the Alliance for Transportation Innovation.

President Riccobono is among twelve state and national political 
leaders and automotive innovators who will be honored at a dinner and 
awards presentation in Washington, DC on January 24. The new awards 
and dinner are part of the larger 
<https://nfb.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=9982&qid=2123757>Autos2050SM<https://nfb.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=9982&qid=2123757> 
event.

On October 25, 2017, the National Federation of the Blind and the 
Auto Alliance hosted a 
<https://nfb.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=9983&qid=2123757>first-of-its-kind 
gathering of consumers with disabilities, auto representatives, 
ride-sharing providers, and policymakers. The purpose of the 
gathering was to discuss the advances, challenges, and path forward 
for autonomous vehicle development. It was a key step in the ongoing 
conversation about how autonomous vehicles can be developed and 
deployed safely, while considering the needs of the 57 million 
Americans with disabilities.

On January 29, 2011, President Riccobono became the 
<https://nfb.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=9984&qid=2123757>first 
blind individual to operate a vehicle independently. He navigated a 
course at Daytona International Speedway as a demonstration of how 
technology can allow the blind to drive.

"As much as I appreciate the honor of this award, its significance is 
greater than recognizing the National Federation of the Blind," 
President Riccobono said. "It is also a sign that leaders in the 
automobile industry recognize the importance of incorporating the 
input of the blind as the next generation of automotive technology is 
designed. This gives us hope that new autonomous vehicles will 
provide a level of mobility and independence that the blind have 
never experienced before, enhancing our ability to live the lives we want."

"The Autos2050 Driving Innovation Awards are designed to honor those 
who have made significant contributions over the past year," said 
Mitch Bainwol, president and CEO, Auto Alliance. "Mark and the NFB 
have been tireless and effective advocates for the needs of the 
entire disability community in the ongoing national debate around the 
development of autonomous vehicles."

###

About the National Federation of the Blind

The National Federation of the Blind (NFB), headquartered in 
Baltimore, is the oldest and largest nationwide organization of blind 
Americans. Founded in 1940, the NFB consists of affiliates, chapters, 
and divisions in the fifty states, Washington DC, and Puerto Rico. 
The NFB defends the rights of blind people of all ages and provides 
information and support to families with blind children, older 
Americans who are losing vision, and more. We believe in the hopes 
and dreams of blind people and work together to transform them into 
reality. Learn more about our many programs and initiatives at 
<https://nfb.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=9985&qid=2123757>www.nfb.org.

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

<https://nfb.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=9986&qid=2123757>
Facebook Logo

<https://nfb.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=9987&qid=2123757>
Twitter Logo

<https://nfb.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=9988&qid=2123757>
Instagram Logo

<https://nfb.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=9989&qid=2123757>
YouTube Logo

<mailto:nfb at nfb.org>
Email Icon Image

<https://nfb.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=9990&qid=2123757>
Donate to the NFB Icon.

National Federation of the Blind | 200 E Wells Street | Baltimore, MD 
21230 | (410) 659-9314
<https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/unsubscribe?reset=1&jid=8153&qid=2123757&h=b32f52f02647bede>Unsubscribe 
| 
<https://nfb.org/civicrm/mailing/optout?reset=1&jid=8153&qid=2123757&h=b32f52f02647bede>Opt 
Out 
| 
<https://nfb.org/sites/all/modules/civicrm/extern/url.php?u=9991&qid=2123757>Sign 
up for email newsletter

200 East Wells Street
Baltimore, MD 21230
United States

-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://nfbnet.org/pipermail/nfbnet-members-list_nfbnet.org/attachments/20180122/dddb5d8f/attachment.html>