Dept. of Transportation's seeks critical input from disability community for Automated Driver Systems in paid study
United Spinal is partnering with the Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on identifying needs and concerns of disabled Americans on automated driver systems and access. This project, Additional Considerations for Making Automated Driver Systems (ADS) Accessible for All Users, seeks :
To improve mobility for Americans by ensuring that ADS equipped vehicles (or automated vehicles) are designed with usability for all abilities in mind.
To understand what passengers want to know and be able to control when unexpected events and situations occur, such as emergencies.
To explore different customizations and controls needed to support different travelers with different needs.
Details about focus groups: The plan is to host a set of virtual focus groups with travelers to get their input on how these ADS or automated vehicles should accommodate their needs and be designed to handle events in an emergency. We are particularly hoping to better understand the needs of rural travelers with disabilities given the additional challenges that they may face. Participants will be paid $100 for their time. No prior knowledge of vehicles with automated design systems is necessary.
Proposed Focus Group Dates for Travelers with Disabilities
January 17 – 2:30 - 4:30 (EST)
January 21 – 12:30 – 2:30 (EST)
Proposed Focus Group Dates for Travel Attendants of People with Disabilities
January 18, 2022 – 10:30 – 12:30 (EST)
If interested, please contact Carrie Redden at carrie.redden@toxcel.com