Autonomous vehicles should benefit those with disabilities, but progress remains slow

An MIT report estimates truly autonomous vehicles might not hit the streets for a decade. And when they do, it's difficult to say whether they will fully accommodate all riders, including those with disabilities. Driverless car technology promises to remove barriers to personal transportation, but few self-driving operators have made headway on solutions for customers with mobility, vision, and hearing impairments, including seniors and those with chronic health conditions. Some companies are further along than others. Alphabet's Waymo is engaged with collaborators -- including the Foundation for Senior Living in Phoenix and the Foundation for Blind Children -- in an effort to ensure its vehicles remain accessible.