Waymo community

Today is National Autonomous Vehicle Day, a day to recognize innovations in self-driving technology and raise awareness about the future of autonomous transportation. Autonomous vehicles continue to expand mobility and independence for people who are blind or have low vision, and ACB has worked with private industry and government agencies to help ensure this technology is accessible and inclusive for all. Thank you to our industry partners and transportation policymakers for your commitment to accessibility—ACB looks forward to continuing our work together to drive a more inclusive future! Pictured: A collage of ACB’s recent autonomous vehicle experiences (clockwise from upper left): 👉 Dianna Leonard (left) stands with Bay State Council of the Blind (BSCB) member Jessica Barr (center) and Waymo’s Hannah Tuten (right) in front of a Waymo vehicle at the BSCB convention in Massachusetts. 👉 Claire Stanley, J.D. and her guide dog, Tulane, ride in a Zoox robotaxi in San Francisco. 👉 Kolby Garrison and her guide dog, Marty, ride with Scott Thornhill in a Zoox robotaxi in the San Francisco Bay Area. Kolby is feeling the braille labels above her seat while Scott observes. 👉 Claire Stanley and her guide dog, Tulane (left), stand with Waymo’s Heather Aijian (center) and Scott Thornhill (right) in front of a Waymo vehicle in Washington, D.C. 👉 Scott Thornhill (right) stands with Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association (AVIA) CEO Jeff Farrah (left) at the AVIA Autonomy Summit in Washington, D.C. #NationalAutonomousVehicleDay

A diverse coalition of Illinois business, safety, and accessibility groups just sent an open letter to state lawmakers urging the approval of AVs. A clear legislative framework signals that Illinois is open to innovation and the business it brings, while making streets safer and expanding transit options. Why are so many industries aligned? Because the benefits of autonomous tech span across every community. Read the full letter below and contact your state legislator to support SB3392: https://lnkd.in/g6_NzxrK Image description: An image of the letter signed by 15 stakeholder organizations. To read the full letter text, visit: https://lnkd.in/g6_NzxrK

As New York State Senator Jeremy Cooney rightly points out, “Distracted driving kills lives.” That’s why he is leading the charge to bring autonomous vehicle technology to New York—bridging transportation gaps, protecting cyclists and pedestrians, and giving those with limited mobility more independence. While Waymo is proven to be 13 times safer than human drivers, autonomous vehicles are currently not allowed to operate in New York. Senator Cooney is focused on changing that to make New York streets safer, but state lawmakers need to hear from you to pass this critical legislation. Take just one minute to voice your support and help finally bring Waymo to New York by filling out this form: https://lnkd.in/gxaQiHxn

This week, ACB’s Scott Thornhill and Claire Stanley, J.D. attended an event in Washington, D.C., hosted by Waymo, the world’s first autonomous ride-hailing service. The event focused on ongoing efforts to bring Waymo to our nation’s capital. ACB is proud to continue working with Waymo to advance a future of greater independence and freedom of mobility by expanding access to this technology for people who are blind or have low vision. Pictured (left to right): ACB Director of Governmental Affairs Claire Stanley with her guide dog, Tulane; Heather Aijian of Waymo; and ACB Executive Director Scott Thornhill. The group stands in front of a Waymo autonomous vehicle in Washington, D.C.

Big moment this week.   I had the opportunity to join Heather Aijian and Hannah Tuten at a celebration marking Waymo’s one-year milestone of testing in Washington, DC.   Standing beside one of their autonomous vehicles, I couldn’t help but think about what this represents, not just innovation, but possibility.   For people with disabilities, transportation has always been about more than getting from point A to point B. It’s about independence. Dignity. Control over your own life.   Waymo is making meaningful progress, especially for riders who are blind or visually impaired. But as I often say, progress is good, getting it right is better.   That is why partnerships matter.   The National Council on Independent Living and the Independent Living Network have a critical role to play in shaping what accessible autonomous transportation looks like from the ground up, not as an afterthought.   NCIL attended, not just to celebrate, but to help define what comes next.   Theo W. Braddy   NCIL Executive Director   Image: Head of Waymo Public Affairs Heather Aijian, NCIL Executive Director Theo W. Braddy, and Waymo Public Affairs Manager Hannah Tuten gather for a group photo in front of a Waymo autonomous car in Washington, DC.

At the Autism Society of America, we believe everyone deserves the resources to live fully. That's one of the reasons we are proud to partner with Waymo, the world‘s leader in autonomous vehicles. For many in the Autism community, reliable transportation is a vital lifeline to employment and social connection. Christopher’s story in The Atlantic shows how inclusive technology can remove barriers and create a more accessible world for all. Read more about how autonomous vehicles are paving the way for independence: https://bit.ly/3ONj0V2 #AutismAcceptance #Independence #Accessibility

The Arc SF and Waymo continue to have an incredible partnership. Thank you again for providing rides for the interns of The Star Café. The Star Café, located at The Arc SF, employs participants as interns, giving them the opportunity to build essential business skills—such as planning, purchasing, and money management. These rides make a real impact by enabling interns to shop for the supplies and ingredients needed to run the café. Because of this support, The Star Café can continue serving delicious treats and coffee to our visitors, staff, and participants. Stop by in the morning to buy something tasty—we’d love to see you! #TheArcSF #IDD #Waymo