As we develop new vehicle technologies, we have an incredible opportunity to re-think mobility: how can we create a transportation system that works for people who are not well-served by current transportation options?

Last fall, the U.S. Department of Transportation announced the Inclusive Design Challenge, which offered financial rewards to design innovative systems and features for autonomous vehicles that solve access barriers for people with physical, sensory and cognitive disabilities.

One of the ten semi-finalist teams is PAVE Member May Mobility and the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute (UMTRI), who proposed an AV shuttle with an independent wheelchair loading and passenger securement system. During this PAVE virtual panel, representatives from May Mobility and UMTRI will discuss their proposal, as well as Kent Keyser from United Spinal, who will talk about the state of accessibility technology and important considerations as we move forward.

Panelists

• Kathy Klinich – Associate Director, University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute
• Kent Keyser – Public Policy Fellow, United Spinal Association
• Tara Lanigan – Head of Policy & Advocacy, May Mobility

You can view recordings of all of PAVE’s virtual panels on the PAVE YouTube channel.