As self-driving cars  become more of a reality, many people with disabilities see a new opportunity coming.   Advocates are urging manufacturers to make sure that people with disabilities are included in planning and development of this new technology.  They want to make sure the disability community's needs are incorporated into the original designs rather than being introduced later or only as special modified models.

Manufacturers  and project managers point out that unfortunately expectations of self-driving cars are unrealistic at this point.  They say that each person's situation is different and determining who can use which car will  be a "nightmare of complexity." Federal guidelines are now being drafted for automated vehicles that are expected to include the needs of those with disabilities.

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