Do you have an interest in the next generation of personal and public transport vehicles? Do you have ideas about what needs to be done to make sure it works well for all people with disability?
You might be interested in joining a new focus group hosted by La Trobe University.
People with disability can apply to join a paid, short-term focus group on “Connected and Automated Vehicle (CAV) technologies” (things like driverless cars, for example).
Download our Futuristic vehicles focus group – EOI paper, or read on below to learn more (Word doc, 2 pages, 232kb), (PDF, 2 pages, 78kb).
Expression of Interest
The Australian Federation of Disability Organisations (AFDO) is a Disabled People’s Organisation (DPO). We are a cross-disability representative organisation, and the national voice representing people with disability in Australia.
We are currently supporting a research initiative by the Centre for Technology Infusion (CTI) at La Trobe University, on behalf of the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications. CTI is Australia’s premier Research and Innovation Centre specialised in delivering technology-based innovations to industry and government clients.
Purpose
Connected and Automated Vehicle (CAV) technologies are advancing more quickly than governments can regulate. Automated vehicles are vehicles that can perform some driving functions automatically, without the input of a human driver. Connected vehicle technology allows vehicles to exchange data cooperatively through wireless communication. People with disability have high expectations of CAVs. However, development of standards and regulations – especially for people with disability, who need the technology the most – risks falling behind.
AFDO is seeking expressions of interest from community members that would like to be a part of a focus group that will explore the following questions, challenges and opportunities.
- Examine if and how CAV modes and services can be incorporated into the Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport 2002 (Disability Transport Standards) to deliver access to our cities and regions for people with disabilities via Public Transport.
- Assess the requirements that people with disabilities will have with these emerging technologies and inform the defining of a framework.
- Recommend amendments that can be implemented through the current reform process to the Disability Transport Standards.
The focus groups will be conducted over two phases:
Phase 1: What are challenges and opportunities that CAV technologies offer to people with disability?
Phase 2: How those challenges best be mitigated or facilitated by regulators and industry.
Taking part in this research study is optional and we respect your right to privacy and as such all information will be de-identified.
Remuneration
Remuneration will be $80.00 per hour (inc GST) deposited onto a debit card, which will be posted after delivery of services. The two sessions are anticipated to run for approximately 2 hours with a short break included. We will send you pre-reading materials which will be discussed during the meetings.
Selection criteria
- Lived experience of disability
- Experience accessing and utilising public transport along with transport services
- Availability in February and/or May 2021 (Exact dates to be confirmed)
- Ability to attend meeting online (using an online meeting platform such as Zoom)
Accessibility
The project will cover accessibility requirements for participants, including support people.
Applications
If you are interested in being a part of this focus group, we encourage you to register your interest by sending an email to Jim.Valavanis@afdo.org.au at the Australian Federation of Disability Organisations and include a brief background along with your contact details. We would also appreciate that you keep your response and initial proposals confidential.
This research has been reviewed and approved by The La Trobe University Human Research Ethics Committee. If you have any complaints or concerns about the research study please email humanethics@latrobe.edu.au or phone +61 3 9479 1443 quoting the following number HEC20457.
Expressions of interest close Monday 8th February 2021 at 5pm.
Share this