Federal policy is accelerating autonomous vehicle deployment without enforceable accessibility requirements. Millions of Americans with disabilities risk being excluded from the next generation of transportation.
The Problem
- Transportation remains a major barrier for people with disabilities and older adults
- Autonomous vehicle policy does not require accessibility
- No enforceable standards for wheelchair access, human-machine interface, or service integration
- Safety frameworks do not evaluate accessibility performance
The Data
National and district-level data demonstrate the scale of unmet transportation need across the United States.
- Millions of Americans with disabilities are affected
- Transportation access remains inconsistent and unreliable
- The issue spans all states and congressional districts
The Policy Gap
- No ADA-aligned requirements for autonomous vehicles
- Accessibility not included in federal safety case requirements
- Risk of federal preemption overriding state-level protections
Policy Solutions
- Require accessibility rulemaking for autonomous vehicles Include accessibility in safety case requirements
- Prohibit disability discrimination in autonomous vehicle services
- Preserve civil rights protections from federal preemption