Content Validation of an Accessibility Assessment Tool for Autonomous Vehicles: A Focus Group Evaluation

Autonomous vehicles (AVs) have the potential to improve independent mobility for people with disabilities, but standardized methods for evaluating their accessibility remain lacking. This study examined the content validity of a newly developed accessibility assessment tool for universally designed AVs. Eight adults with mobility impairments participated in an online focus group to evaluate the tool’s relevance, clarity, and completeness and discuss their expectations for accessible AVs. Qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis, and item-level content validity was assessed using the Item-Level Content Validity Index (I-CVI). Participants identified independence, safety, efficiency, and usability as the primary evaluation criteria and emphasized accessible ingress and egress, reliable human-computer interaction, secure management of mobility devices and belongings, and predictable vehicle behavior. Most assessment items met recommended I-CVI thresholds, while several were revised to improve clarity. These findings provide preliminary support for the tool’s content validity and future evaluations of accessible AV prototypes.