John Krafcik’s Post

How can driverless cars broaden access for people with disabilities? - Yahoo! Voices: How can driverless cars broaden access for people with disabilities?  Yahoo! Voices #car #cars #awesome

With the recent news out of California surrounding regulations for autonomous vehicles, I’ve been thinking a lot about the future of transportation and the intersection of independence, safety, and innovation. Autonomous vehicles have the power to be transformative, and their impact and inclusion needs to be assessed from all sides. The rise of robotaxis in cities like San Francisco has sparked a myriad of opinions. Sharon Giovinazzo, CEO of the nonprofit LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired, told The San Francisco Standard, “It truly has the power to transform lives.” For many of us with mobility challenges, the promise of a vehicle that doesn't fuss about Canine Companions® Pico or require assistance for boarding is tantalizing. It represents more than just transportation; it's a symbol of independence and choice. However, my experiences with rideshare companies like Lyft and Uber have not always been smooth. I've faced challenges, from drivers refusing rides because of my service dog to the sheer lack of accessible vehicles. These experiences underscore the need for more inclusive transportation solutions. Yet, the promise of choice is also fraught with other practical considerations. The California Council of the Blind has voiced concerns about passenger safety, especially for the visually impaired. They believe that the technology needs to advance further to ensure rider safety. As someone who relies heavily on assistive technology, I understand the importance of ensuring that these vehicles are not just innovative but also safe and reliable. But there's hope on the horizon. Companies like Cruise are actively working on developing wheelchair-accessible vehicles, like the Origin Mobility. This is a step in the right direction, ensuring that the future of transportation is inclusive. As we stand on the cusp of this transportation revolution, it's crucial to ensure that the voices of the disability community are not just heard but actively included in the conversation. After all, for many of us, it's not just about getting from point A to B; it's about doing so with dignity, independence, and safety. Let's continue this conversation. What are your thoughts on the rise of robotaxis and their potential impact on the disability community? #AutonomousVehicles #DisabilityAdvocacy #InclusiveTech #Robotaxis #FutureOfMobility #Disability

We all have the tendency to get stuck in our current situations but remember, our circumstances today are just a starting point, not a final destination. At AutoExtras, we believe in the power of mobility, freedom and independence. Through vehicle modifications, we're here to help people with disability break barriers and reach their goals. Reach out to us today and let's take that first step together towards a more empowered, mobile, and autonomous life. 🚀 Start moving: https://lnkd.in/gbnQEsNq #Empowerment #Mobility #Independence #AutoExtras #disability #disabilityawareness #impairment #carmodification #vehiclemodification #mobilitymodifcations #lowfloorconversion #steeringaid #wheelchairaccess #wheelchairramp

𝗘𝗺𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲: 𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗱𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝗱𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀 🚗 #GAADCelebration2024 How many of you have witnessed, or know of, individuals with disabilities driving their own cars and other motor vehicles on the road? 𝗔 𝗱𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀, 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗹𝗲𝗴𝘀, 𝗼𝗿 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺 𝗼𝗳 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆! Driving regulations in India and across the globe contain enabling provisions to grant driving licenses to such individuals. Advancements in legislation and vehicle technology are making it increasingly possible for disabled persons to take the wheel with confidence. 𝗦𝗼 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗱𝗼𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝗱𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲? This accessibility space recognises a wide range of vehicle adaptations and modifications that cater to various physical needs. From custom controls to support hand-operated driving to vehicles equipped with advanced assistive technologies, the road has never been more welcoming. Innovative vehicle modifications include: * Voice-activated systems * Adapted foot pedals, accelerators, handles * Efficient steering turns * Wheelchair-accessible vehicles 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀: Stories abound of individuals who have overcome their physical limitations to master the art of driving - Anita Sharma, Jilumol Mariet and more recently, D Thanesan, to name a few. These stories aren't just about mobility; they're about conquering the challenges posed by the environment and society. 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲: Stay tuned for more such enlightening posts as we drum up accessibility awareness this #GlobalAccessibilityAwarenessDay - coming up on May 16! #InclusiveDriving #Accessibilitymatters #DigitalAccessibility #InnovativeMobility #GAAD #GAAD2024 Read more at: https://lnkd.in/e2GQBSki Link image description: A man without hands sitting inside a car, driving through his feet on the steering and with help of other accommodations.

What are your thoughts on this? This would certainly eliminate the transportation issues that we are constantly facing for people with and without disabilities. Read more below: https://lnkd.in/gXTTFpae

How can driverless cars broaden access for people with disabilities? - KXAN.com: How can driverless cars broaden access for people with disabilities?  KXAN.com #car #cars #awesome

27 percent of adults in the U.S. live with some type of disability. Autonomous, on-demand micro-transit can be a life-changing service for them. See how partnering with May Mobility has already transformed some communities, and what we can do to serve yours. #MobilityForAll

This is the value of working with specialist research organisations like ours. While every project should be accessible, we have access to a pan-disability panel of 4,000 people who can not only respond to research but can help shape it. #InclusuveResearch #ConsumerResearch #Accessibility #Inclusion

🚗 Empowering Change in the Automotive World 🚗 Over the past few weeks, I've had the privilege of engaging with a remarkable community of individuals with disabilities and caregivers on all my social media platforms. We've been discussing cars, primarily focusing on the Motability scheme. But it got me thinking, what about the cars that aren't part of this scheme? What about vehicles that some might consider unsuitable for those with disabilities? These questions have fueled a new mission. I'm excited to announce that I'll be expanding my car reviews to encompass not just the everyday vehicles but also high-end cars. Why? Because who's to say that having a disability should limit your access to a high-end vehicle? 🌟 As a person with a disability myself, I understand the frustrations when it comes to inclusivity in the automotive industry. I've even been turned away from a high-end dealership because they didn't think a particular car was suitable, despite it being exactly what I wanted. 🙄 So, here's the plan: I want to meet with car manufacturers and dealerships across the country to explore inclusivity in action. I'm committed to showcasing the best services and products in my videos. But there's another aspect I want to address. As a social media influencer and reviewer, I've encountered requirements for a certain reach or followers to collaborate with certain manufacturers. Yet, I find it astonishing that despite being the only disabled reviewer in the country doing what I do at this level, these manufacturers don't see the relevance of supporting the disabled community through my work. It's disheartening that some of the biggest companies in this space for motoring within the disabled community don't even reply to my multiple emails. This lack of response/support, especially when I know they've been read, is simply rude. It's high time we shine a spotlight on the companies that fall short in terms of inclusivity. It's unfair, and I've received stories of shocking customer service that only emphasize the need for change. If you'd like to be part of the change and showcase the best service or product in my videos, or if you know someone who can help me on this mission, please reach out to me here on LinkedIn or via email at info@thedisabledreviewers.com Let's work together to make the automotive world more inclusive and supportive of the disabled community. 🚘💪 #InclusiveCars #DisabilityAdvocacy #TheDisabledReviewer

I love how May Mobility is using autonomous vehicles to serve all.