Representatives Greg Stanton and Brian Mast have introduced the Autonomous Vehicle Accessibility Act (AVAA) to help people with disabilities access the mobility and independence benefits of ride-hail autonomous vehicles (AVs). The legislation aims to reduce barriers to opportunity and ensure that those with disabilities feel empowered and safe to take advantage of this innovative technology. The AVAA will ensure passengers are legally protected if an AV is pulled over or other issues occur, even if they do not hold a driver license due to their disability. It also requires the U.S. Department of Transportation, in collaboration with the National Academies of Science, to study best practices for public transportation infrastructure to be modified to improve the ability of Americans with disabilities to find, access, and use ride-hail autonomous vehicles, including during pickup and drop off. The bill has been endorsed by AV companies and national disability advocacy groups. Mark Riccobono, President of the National Federation of the Blind, commended Congressmen Stanton and Mast for recognizing these critical priorities and supporting the legislation. The bill has been endorsed by Waymo, the Global Head of Public Policy at Waymo, and the National Federation of the Blind and Blinded Veterans Association.
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