Advocates from Community Living Toronto Share How Waymo Can Improve Safety and Independence for People with Disabilities

From the moment you first meet her, it’s easy to understand why Jenna Martinuzzi, an ambitious 36-year-old, was hired by the Ontario nonprofit Community Living Toronto (CLTO) to share their message with the world.

CLTO’s mission is to advocate for the welcoming inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities and respect for their rights and choices. Jenna was born with Down syndrome and now works as a CLTO Influencer and ambassador to the public, from classrooms to companies.

CLTO Influencers like Jenna work together to raise awareness and create positive change in the community. They promote inclusion, create spaces where everyone is treated with dignity and respect, and support people in making their own choices and living life on their own terms. For example, Jenna shares personal stories and experiences on social media to raise awareness about healthy habits, anti-bullying, and other important issues, putting a face to disability inclusion year-round, especially on World Down Syndrome Day and during Canadian Down Syndrome Awareness Week.

“I am proud of working at CLTO and all the work I do as an influencer,” said Jenna, whose job and personal travels have taken her coast to coast across Canada and beyond, including Central America, the Caribbean, Europe and Israel.

With more than 80 locations across the Greater Toronto Area, CLTO supports over 4,000 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in achieving their goals, from finding a home and getting a job to connecting with others and simply having fun.

“She works alongside her peers, making sure we all live in a society where everyone is valued and everyone belongs,” said Colleen Broadhurst, Jenna’s mom and a former member of the CLTO Board of Directors.

Jenna also recently hit a major life milestone. She moved to her own apartment in downtown Toronto. In the journey to live life independently, Colleen said transportation can sometimes be a barrier for people with disabilities.

“A lot of people with disabilities rely on other people for their method of transportation,” Colleen emphasized.

Colleen and Jenna recently traveled to San Francisco to experience how autonomous driving technology could one day provide a safe, new mobility option with unique benefits for people who live with disabilities.

250,000 people in Ontario live with a developmental disability, 70% of whom live in poverty. –CLTO

“If autonomous vehicles offer individuals with disabilities the opportunity to move freely within their communities, it would provide them a lot of independence,” Colleen shared.

Jenna and Colleen also wanted to see how autonomous driving technology could add mobility independence for people living with disabilities in Toronto and the rest of Canada and support their broader social and economic inclusion. CLTO reports that more than 250,000 people in Ontario live with a developmental disability, and 70 percent of those people live in poverty.

“We know that in order to become self-sustainable and to have self-purpose, a job is critical and there are a lot of people with disabilities willing and able to have employment (but do not drive),” Colleen shared. “I see [Waymo] as a vehicle in achieving that type of independence as well.”

Jenna and Colleen were excited to hail their first autonomous ride through the Waymo One app. When the vehicle arrived, Jenna had no doubt that the Waymo was theirs.

“I saw my initials, J.M., on top of a car,” Jenna said enthusiastically.

Waymo’s Car ID feature lets riders choose a two-letter ID and color scheme to be displayed on the vehicle and help them identify their ride when it arrives, and there are also a variety of audio, visual and haptic cues to help riders locate their vehicle at pick-up and destination at drop-off. Many features like these are the result of Waymo’s collaboration with advocates through its Waymo Accessibility Network to make its app and passenger experience accessible and customizable for everyone.

Soon, Jenna and Colleen settled into the vehicle, ready to experience their first Waymo ride.

“Wow, this is exciting. It feels natural doesn’t it?” Colleen observed.

“Yeah,” replied Jenna, who was smiling widely throughout the ride.

“We’re at a crosswalk, and it knows to let the people go by,” Colleen marveled.

Waymo’s autonomous driving technology is designed to respect the safety of other road users, all while driving conscientiously, staying constantly vigilant, and following road rules like speed limits.

Colleen said Waymo could also give parents like her peace of mind that their children are traveling safely, while they are traveling around by themselves.

“One thing that is reassuring for me as a parent is that Jenna can get into an autonomous vehicle and I don’t have to worry about whether she’s going to get to her location safely, or whether she’s ever going to arrive at her destination,” Colleen said.

After her ride, Colleen said she thinks Torontonians are ready for Waymo.

“I really think autonomous vehicles can be a game changer for people living with disabilities, so I’m super excited about it,” she said.

Jenna wholeheartedly agreed: “I think all my friends would like the Waymo experience.”