On the surface, autonomous vehicles would seem to be an intuitively disability-inclusive concept. After all, many individuals living with physical, sensory or cognitive disabilities are unable to drive and therefore benefit from the associated privilege and independence. Nevertheless, when it comes to incorporating people with disabilities into conversations and planning around autonomous cars, considerable hazards lie ahead.
This arises from the fact that self-driving vehicles are not a mature technology. As is often the case with any new and exciting technology where core precepts are yet to be established, there is a tendency for developers to want to race ahead in search of progress. With this, less mission-critical areas like accessibility become all too easily sidelined and relegated to the wrongful assumption of being able to be “figured out later.”
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