Removing Barriers – Autonomous Vehicles E28
In this episode of “Changing the Perception of Blindness”, host David Steinmetz is joined by guests Amanda Ventura from Waymo and Steve Tepper from the Arizona Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired. They explore the pressing issues of transportation accessibility and the empowerment of those with disabilities. Amanda shares how Waymo is working to foster mobility equity through autonomous vehicles, providing newfound independence for those who have lost their vision. Steve highlights the trauma many individuals face after losing sight and the vital role of reliable transportation in helping them secure and maintain employment. They all agree that addressing transportation gaps and enhancing societal understanding of disabilities is essential for building a more inclusive world.
As the discussion continues, David stresses the importance of engaging end-users in product design, particularly in technology for the disabled community. He points out that companies often overlook valuable insights when they fail to gather input from those they aim to serve. Steve identifies access and cost as major hurdles in transportation for people with disabilities, sharing his concerns about inefficient dial-a-ride services. He envisions a future where autonomous vehicles offer more direct transportation options, a sentiment echoed by Amanda, who emphasizes the importance of partnerships and research in enhancing accessibility.
As the episode wraps up, David encourages collaboration among the government, transportation providers, and the community to create sustainable solutions.
Listen to this episode and contact Amanda and Steve to learn more about their impactful initiatives. 
Waymo is an autonomous driving technology company with a mission to build the world’s most trusted driver — the Waymo Driver. Waymo launched the world’s first fully autonomous ride-hailing service, Waymo One, right here in Phoenix in 2020.
They operate a 24/7 service in 315 square miles of Metro Phoenix that includes terminal pickups and dropoffs at Sky Harbor International Airport. Waymo believes this technology has potential to save lives, increase independence and improve mobility access for millions who cannot drive themselves.
Amanda Ventura is a public affairs manager at Waymo, an autonomous driving technology company, at which she manages community outreach and public education initiatives in three of Waymo’s four markets and forges relationships with national safety, mobility, disability and accessibility advocates in DC and beyond.
For several years, she has led Waymo Serve and Waymo Gives Back initiatives, which encourage employees all over the world to volunteer and donate to important causes in their communities. Before joining Waymo, she was an editor, reporter, and a director at a public relations agency in Arizona.
Amanda is the vice chair of the Arizona Animal Welfare League’s board of directors and volunteer baker with For Goodness Cakes, which provides homemade birthday and celebratory treats to at-risk and foster youth. A proud Sun Devil, she lives in Phoenix with her AAWL alum, Dabo.
Her latest goal is to cook her way through nearly 200 countries’ national dishes.
Connect with Amanda on LinkedIn and follow Waymo on Facebook, X and Instagram.
ACBVI serves 300 adults a year who lose their vision through accident or illness and helps them achieve independence and return to work.
Steve Tepper has been a non-profit professional for 30 years and enjoys working with underserved populations.
Follow ACBVI on LinkedIn and Facebook.
About Your Host
As the manager of Community and Public Relations, David Steinmetz uses his expertise, education, and personal experiences to “change the perception of blindness.”
Diagnosed with RP, a blinding retinal disease, at the age of 19, David uses his personal story to drive change that leads to improved employment outcomes and community integration for people who are blind or visually impaired.
Mr. Steinmetz graduated from Arizona State University with a bachelor’s degree in Business Management and Economics. Additionally, Steinmetz has continued his education by graduating from the Business Management Training (BMT) program provided by Darden Graduate School of Business, University of Virginia.
In 2008, David was the national recipient of the National Industries for the Blind Milton J. Samuelson Career Achievement award. This prestigious award recognized Mr. Steinmetz for his career achievements and community service work.
David Steinmetz is a member of the Governors’ Council on Blindness & Visual Impairments, is a Board Member at the Arizona Center for the Blind & Visually Impaired (ACBVI) and serves his community through the Chandler Lions Club.
Connect with David on LinkedIn and Instagram.
About the Show
Changing the Perception of Blindness; One Conversation at a Time is dedicated to breaking down barriers, de-mystifying blindness and promoting real world solutions that empower people who are blind to live a full and inclusive life.
Host, David Steinmetz connects with organizations, industry professionals and thought leaders who are working to bridge the gap that creates a world accessible for all.
About Arizona Industries for the Blind
Arizona Industries for the Blind is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating employment opportunities for people who are blind. It’s employees, more than half of whom are blind, deliver a variety of products and services, including a full-service Warehousing and Distribution Center, confidential Digital Data Scan (DDS) services for private businesses and government and the operation of Base Supply Centers located at each of Arizona’s three military bases under the umbrella of the U.S. Department of Labor’s AbilityOne program.
