AV Action Alert
Now is the time for disabled advocates and their allies to speak up loudly about the need for accessibility requirements in any legislation permitting automated vehicles in DC.
Speak up now
Demand accessible AVs
Please see more background on the issue, recommended advocacy actions, and suggested messaging that people can use when contacting Councilmembers or submitting comments. Share this far and wide so that we can get the word out.
Happy to answer questions and be a resource on this effort. Email info@maacdc.org with any questions. Thanks for your support!
Background
Why this matters
A bill has been proposed in the DC Council that will allow automated vehicles (AVs) to operate and provide passenger service in DC. They will operate like a taxi or ride share service. While AVs have the potential to expand transportation options for people with disabilities in DC, it will only work if the service is accessible for people across the disability spectrum (blind, Deaf, cognitive, mobility, and so forth). Right now, no AV company has an accessible vehicle and the proposed legislation in DC does not mandate accessibility for disabled people. The time to demand accessibility is now, not after inaccessible vehicles are on the road.
Advocacy actions
What you can do
The July 13 hearing has happened — the bill has not passed
The DC Council’s Committee on Transportation and the Environment held its hearing on Bill B26-0684 on Monday, July 13, 2026. Disabled advocates testified, including MAAC member Kelly Mack, whose written testimony you can read below. Councilmember Allen indicated the Committee would follow up on scheduling meetings with disability advocates and the MAAC to continue work on the bill.
The bill is still moving. Accessibility requirements are still not in it. The actions below still matter.
See the hearing record (opens in a new tab) →
Questions? Email info@maacdc.org and we’ll help you take part.
Write or call your DC Council member to tell them automated vehicles (AVs) need to be accessible for ALL disabled people. Find your Councilmember (opens in a new tab).
Learn more
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Kelly Mack’s testimony at the July 13 hearing
Written testimony on Bill B26-0684, the Autonomous Vehicle Deployment Authorization Amendment Act of 2026, from MAAC member and disability rights advocate Kelly Mack — documenting decades of inaccessible on-demand transportation in DC and setting out the accessibility requirements the Council should mandate from the start. Includes suggested policy language.
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AV accessibility fact sheet
A quick overview of the issue and what accessible automated vehicles require.
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MAAC letter to the DC Council on AV accessibility
The Multimodal Accessibility Advisory Council’s letter urging the Council to add accessibility requirements to the proposed bill.
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2020 letter to DDOT on accessible AVs
A letter from disability advocates to DDOT about the need for accessible automated vehicles.
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History of wheelchair-accessible cab service in DC
Background on the problems with, and advocacy for, wheelchair-accessible cab service in the District.
DC Accessible On Demand Service Historical Summary (opens in a new tab) →
Messages
What to say
Suggested messaging that people can use when contacting Councilmembers or submitting comments.
- DC must mandate that automated vehicles are accessible for ALL people with disabilities.
- Failing to do so violates both the DC Human Rights Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act because it will result in clear discrimination against disabled people.
Four requirements must be added to legislation permitting AV deployment for it to be effective in ensuring accessibility for disabled riders:
That the vehicles are wheelchair accessible for loading and securement.
That the vehicles can communicate and be controlled by riders simply and effectively in multiple ways — through an accessible app, audio, and visual cues, and so forth.
That it can detect and interact appropriately with disabled pedestrians (blind, Deaf, wheelchair users, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and so forth).
That it protects the safety of both disabled riders and pedestrians, including people with darker skin tones and gender non-conforming people.
Permitting AV companies to “refer to an outside service” for accessibility is wrong, doesn’t work, and would strain the already extremely limited accessible transportation currently operating.
Spread the word
Social media posts
Copy, paste, and share — the link below points to this page.
Mandate accessible AVs NOW! Learn more about DC’s push to approve automated vehicles without requiring accessibility. https://www.maacdc.org/av-action-alert.html Tell your DC Councilmember the bill needs accessibility requirements!
No AVs without accessibility for ALL! Learn more about DC’s push to approve automated vehicles without requiring accessibility. https://www.maacdc.org/av-action-alert.html Read the testimony and tell your DC Councilmember!
Share this far and wide
The hearing is over, but the bill is not. Help us keep the pressure on as it moves through the Council. Questions? We’re here to help.