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U.S. DOT Inclusive Design Challenge Media Toolkit

Instructions for Use

The U.S. DOT’s Inclusive Design Challenge sought new ideas for creating inclusive design solutions to both create and enable accessible automated vehicles. The U.S. DOT thanks you for your support of this important initiative and encourages you to use the materials in this toolkit to celebrate the semifinalists and finalists, share Challenge updates with your networks, and advance the conversation on accessibility.

This toolkit includes: 

  • Contact information 
  • Overview of the Challenge
  • Graphics (high-resolution files with alternate text) 
  • Sample social media posts
  • Sample pitch for local news media

Contact Information:
Website: https://www.transportation.gov/accessibility/inclusivedesign

Media Contact:
Nancy Wilochka
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology
Phone: 202-366-5128
Email: Nancy.Wilochka@dot.gov

Technical Contact:
Ariel Gold
Office of the Secretary of Transportation
Phone: 202-366-4374
Email: ariel.gold@dot.gov

Overview of the Inclusive Design Challenge

The Inclusive Design Challenge asked researchers and innovators to develop solutions to create and enable accessible automated vehicles, solving our most pressing access barriers for people with physical, sensory, and cognitive disabilities. Design teams from academic and research institutions, the business sector, technology companies, and analytics firms were invited to compete for cash prizes through a two-stage Challenge. Proposals included both hardware and software solutions aimed at addressing transportation barriers.

The total prize purse for the Challenge is $5,000,000. In January 2021, ten semifinalist teams were awarded $300,000 each based on their proof-of-concept ideas. In the spring of 2022, Stage II semifinalists competed for a portion of the remaining prize purse by developing prototype demonstrations of their concepts. Stage II prizes were awarded to finalists in July 2022. Information on the Challenge is available at: https://www.transportation.gov/accessibility/inclusivedesign.

Graphics

To download graphics, click on the heading above each image. Please use the provided alternative text when posting these graphics on social media.

Inclusive Design Challenge Logo

Logo for the U.S. DOT’s Inclusive Design Challenge featuring symbols for automated vehicles and the disability community
Logo for the U.S. DOT’s Inclusive Design Challenge featuring symbols for automated vehicles and the disability community.

Inclusive Design Challenge Graphic—Vertical Orientation

Image for U.S. DOT’s Inclusive Design Challenge, which is looking for physical, sensory, and cognitive design solutions

Image for U.S. DOT’s Inclusive Design Challenge, which is looking for physical, sensory, and cognitive design solutions.

Inclusive Design Challenge - Social Media Graphic 1

Image for U.S. DOT’s Inclusive Design Challenge, which is looking for physical, sensory, and cognitive design solutions
Image for U.S. DOT’s Inclusive Design Challenge, which is looking for physical, sensory, and cognitive design solutions.

Social Media Graphic 2

Image for U.S. DOT’s Inclusive Design Challenge, which is looking for physical, sensory, and cognitive design solutions
Image for U.S. DOT’s Inclusive Design Challenge, which is looking for physical, sensory, and cognitive design solutions.

Social Media Graphic 3

Graphic for U.S. DOT’s Inclusive Design Challenge stating “I Love Accessibility” with “Love” represented by a red heart
Graphic for U.S. DOT’s Inclusive Design Challenge stating “I Love Accessibility” with “Love” represented by a red heart.

Sample Social Media Posts

Twitter

General
The @USDOT announced 3 Stage II finalists for its Inclusive Design Challenge, which sought solutions to make automated vehicle accessible for all. Learn more about all participating teams at https://www.transportation.gov/accessibility/inclusivedesign

Finalist Specific
My [Company/Organization] is excited to have been named as a  finalist in @USDOT’s Inclusive Design Challenge, which seeks solutions to make automated vehicles accessible for all! Our project focused on (insert description). Learn more about all of the finalists: https://www.transportation.gov/accessibility/inclusivedesign 

Tip: Use a URL shortener like Bitly.com to streamline your URL.

LinkedIn

General
The U.S. DOT announced the three winners of its Inclusive Design Challenge, which seeks solutions to make automated vehicles accessible for all! The Challenge invited design teams from academic and research institutions, the business sector, technology companies, and analytics firms to develop solutions to our most pressing access barriers for people with physical, sensory, and cognitive disabilities. Learn more about  the awardees here : https://www.transportation.gov/accessibility/inclusivedesign.

Last updated: Tuesday, July 26, 2022