The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has released for public comment a Request for Information (RFI) on a proposed initiative to create a library of resources on making autonomous vehicles (AVs) accessible to people with disabilities. The planned Inclusive Design Reference Hub would compile existing resources, including technical specifications, voluntary consensus standards, and best practices on providing access to AVs for persons with physical, sensory, and cognitive disabilities. 

Public comments to the RFI are due January 20, 2021. For further information, contact the DOT Contracting Officer, Robin Gates, at Robin.Gates@dot.gov or (202) 366-1408.  

The U.S. Access Board will host a four-part public forum series on AV accessibility in March and April. The sessions are free and open to the public. Attendees will be able to share comments, suggestions, and information and pose questions. For more information on the series, visit the Board’s AV webpage.