U.S. Representatives Greg Stanton (D-AZ-4) and Brian Mast (R-FL-21), two members of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee of the House of Representatives, earlier this week introduced a bipartisan bill with far-reaching future implications for blind and low vision veterans and other people with disabilities. The legislation, enthusiastically supported by BVA, stands to jumpstart conversations and comprehensive work to ensure that those with disabilities can utilize ride hailing autonomous technology in the form of driverless vehicles. 

“Veterans who experience sight loss and are no longer able to operate a motor vehicle often confront overwhelming challenges as they attempt to access existing modes of transportation and infrastructure on their own,” said BVA Executive Director Don Overton. “We thank Representatives Mast and Stanton for their demonstrated foresight and appreciation of advances in technology in introducing legislation on behalf of these same veterans who are often challenged in trying to independently shop for food, arrive on time for medical appointments and volunteer assignments at VA facilities, or travel across town to visit friends or relatives.”

For additional information about this monumental bill via a press advisory by Representative Stanton, click here. A one-page fact sheet is also available here. Full text of the bill is available here.