Project Summary
Automated vehicles (AVs) are a transformative advancement in transportation, promising improved mobility for all people, particularly those with disabilities. Individuals with disabilities are a unique but sizable demographic in the United States. Approximately 12 million people have visual impairment, including 1 million who are blind. Many of them have mobility issues that limit their ability to engage in daily activities, access to employment, and social participation. This project aims to understand the transportation needs and challenges for people with visual impairment in California, including implications of automated vehicles on accessibility, and how access to automated vehicles might shift how people with visual impairment travel. This project will utilize a qualitative research approach consisting of in-depth interviews and focus group discussions.
