United Cerebral Palsy Joins Let’s Talk Autonomous Driving Partnership

Let’s Talk Autonomous Driving is pleased to welcome United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) as a national partner in our public education campaign.

UCP and its 58 affiliates in the U.S. and Canada advocate for and provide services to people with disabilities and their families. Among those served by UCP affiliates are individuals with cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, autism spectrum disorder, and other intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs), and physical disabilities, like those caused by a traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Launched in 1948 by two families with children who had cerebral palsy, UCP was founded on the belief that the world could be more connected and inclusive for people with disabilities and their families.

A vital part of UCP’s work focuses on advocating for greater accessibility, including choices in transportation and other assistive technology  that can help improve the quality of life for people with disabilities and allow them to live a “life without limits.”

This is what inspired UCP to join Let’s Talk Autonomous Driving, a partnership led by Waymo and dedicated to advancing public conversation around the promise and potential of autonomous driving technology.

“Autonomous driving technology has the potential to revolutionize the way people with disabilities live their lives, particularly with regard to helping overcome barriers to mobility,” said UCP President and CEO Armando Contreras. “Our goal is to ensure that the voice of people with disabilities is heard and considered when it comes to how this groundbreaking technology develops and serves the needs of people with disabilities.” 

Autonomous driving technology has the potential to provide a safe and accessible mobility option for people with disabilities and their families by allowing them to travel independently to crucial destinations like school, work, social events and healthcare appointments, while also working to make our roads accessible and safe for everyone.    

“We are looking toward the future, and for people with disabilities this technology could provide a life without limits,” Contreras said during his first ride with Waymo One.