Self-Governing Commute for People with Disability in Autonomous/Shared Mobility by Universal Design Process

Self-driving cars are the future of mobility systems and should be a helping hand for Peoples with Disability (PWD) for their daily commute. The current technologies are addressing only some of the needs/specific type of disability or an application in mobile that helps them during their journey in Autonomous Vehicle (AV). PWD will be looking for opportunities for self-governing commute and will be willing to travel independently with their portable helping aids, personalized configurations in vehicle, along with organized help based on their need. Our study is to understand the mobility needs and challenges for all types of PWD and enable them by a universal/inclusive design approach in autonomous vehicles. The inclusive design/features in Autonomous/Shared vehicle could motivate the PWD to travel independently or with minimum help based on type of challenge they have. The vehicle features should be easily accessible, reliable, efficient and should give a cognitive feel of safety for PWD while using autonomous vehicles for their commute.