Ridesharing transportation firm Lyft has partnered with the National Federation of the Blind and autonomous vehicle developer Aptiv to make self-driving technology more accessible to blind and low-vision passengers in Las Vegas, Nevada.
To create a more dynamic, interactive and informative self-driving experience, Lyft worked alongside LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired to create braille guides for self-driving riders. These materials include a braille map of the self-driving routes, as well as a diagram of Aptiv’s self-driving vehicle.
“Autonomous vehicles have the potential to provide a level of mobility and independence that blind people have never experienced, enhancing our ability to live the lives we want,” said Mark Riccobono, president of the National Federation of the Blind.
“We are pleased to collaborate with Lyft and Aptiv, companies that recognize the importance of incorporating input from the blind so that driving will be accessible to all.
“This demonstration will allow future blind drivers to experience and begin providing feedback about this technology, paving the way for the development of a nonvisual user interface and other inclusive design elements.”