Sport Members have reviewed new provisions for awarding licenses for drivers with disabilities in order to strengthen medical, technical and sporting evaluations as well as facilitate the application procedures.

The Commission has also outlined proposals for the Disabled Drivers Grant Programme with the goal of securing additional resources for disabled drivers seeking for necessary safety products to obtain a driving license.

Another project on the Sporting side will be focusing on the accessible podiums, as well as accessible infrastructure at sport events more generally, so as to allow competitors but also spectators with physical impairments and mobility limitations to access championship venues without significant hazards.

Mobility Members have noted an update on the Elderly Drivers Self-Evaluation tool designed to assess whether vehicle users in the aging social group are still fit to drive. The tool is an interactive online exercise comprising various cognitive tasks to assess the level of attention and reactiveness of users undergoing such exercise.

A broader outlook on priorities in the area of accessible mobility was provided by the International Transport Body who acts as a catalyst of transport policy-making. In the context of rapidly changing global population trends and an increasing number of people with disabilities, it was proposed to look into the application of new technologies, such as connectivity systems and vehicle automation, to enhance accessibility of mobility services and system. The importance of the global recognition of parking badges for disabled people was also stated. The ITF called for the FIA support with updating the global database on the Blue Badge reciprocity. The Commission will seek further recommendations from the Member Clubs to define the most efficient way of enhancing informational resources around disabled parking infrastructure and regulations.

Finally, the topic of accessible tourism was discussed by the Members. Mobility Clubs were encouraged to gather information on accessible tourism destinations and their facilities which can then be centralised under the OTA database.

"I was very pleased with the outcome of our second meeting and hopeful for more progress to be made before the end of the year. I’m also very grateful that other sporting Commissions have offered support with the Disability and Accessibility Commission’s proposed work. Working together with the other FIA Commissions is key to the success of our own Commission’s agenda.", stated Nathalie McGloin, President of the FIA Disability and Accessibility Commission. 

The next meeting of the Commission will take place on 8 November in Geneva.