Enabling mobility and inclusion: Designing accessible autonomous vehicles for people with disabilities

Accessible transport would increase opportunities and services for People with Disabilities (PwDs) including but not limited to work, healthcare, and social inclusion, which will translate into positive economic and community outcomes. Accessible transport will reduce restrictions on PWDs' freedom of movement, which violates their rights and undermines their dignity and inclusion. The lack of accessible transport represents one of the biggest challenges for PwDs. This paper provides an overview of accessible road vehicles and captures key information needed to design an accessible AV. A comprehensive analysis of 57 studies reveals relevant design requirements for a diverse group including PwDs. Recommendations for the design of accessible AVs are provided. The paper emphasizes the importance of user acceptance, accessibility, and trust. The design process should consider various PwD types and trip stages, employ multimodal outputs, conduct trials, explore subsidizing fares for PwDs, and create specialized vehicles for different purposes or contexts.