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Blind and low-vision advocates urge permitting autonomous vehicles to expand accessible travel options
Summary
Representatives of the National Federation of the Blind and the American Council of the Blind said early autonomous-vehicle testing and careful accessibility requirements will expand independent mobility for blind and low-vision residents, citing hands-on Waymo test rides and recommending local permitting and accessibility standards.
Advocates for people who are blind and have low vision asked the committee to support DC's planned work on permitting and testing for autonomous vehicles.
First-hand testimony: Jesse Sharrock of the National Federation of the Blind said he took a Waymo autonomous vehicle in Phoenix and called the experience "empowering," describing a ride in which the vehicle located him, unlocked, and drove without a human driver. Claire Stanley of the American Council of the Blind described similar experiences and said autonomous vehicles would open transport options for blind and low-vision residents who now face frequent denials or discrimination when using ride-hail services.
Policy request: Witnesses asked the committee and DDOT to keep the City on a path to authorize and test fully autonomous vehicles in 2026, to ensure companies build accessibility features into apps and vehicles and to avoid legislation that would block testing or delay deployment of accessible autonomous services.
Ending: Committee members said they expect DDOT's autonomous-vehicle report this fall and will review appropriate enabling legislation and local accessibility standards when the agency presents.
