Waymo community

At Waymo, our mission is built on safety and accessibility — values that are deeply mirrored in the lives of the extraordinary dogs and humans honored this past weekend at the American Humane Society's 15th annual Hero Dog Awards, held at the Mar-a-Lago Club in Palm Beach. Waymo is fortunate to serve incredible heroes at both ends of the leash every day. From service animals of all kinds to their dedicated handlers, these pairs redefine courage and companionship. We also share the road with more than 100,000 animals every week in the cities where we operate. American Humane Society’s event shines a well-deserved spotlight on the profound bond between specially trained dogs and the people they serve. From search and rescue dogs to those providing life-changing therapy and support to veterans and the American public, these canine heroes and their handlers embody the spirit of service. Congratulations to this year’s finalists and winner, Sgt. Bo. Your stories inspire us to continue moving forward with purpose.

Riding in Waymo's fully autonomous vehicles provides a real glimpse at how autonomous technology can improve safety and mobility. As AVs expand into more cities, it’s critical that first responders are prepared to interact with them safely. That’s why I’m proud of the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA)–Waymo partnership providing free safety training for law enforcement, firefighters, EMS and tow operators to ensure innovation on our roads is matched with readiness and safety.

The holiday season is a time to come together, and we were excited to work alongside community partners across California, Texas and Arizona this December. Through local events and collaborations, Waymo was able to help support families, older adults, service members, and neighbors through holiday celebrations, wellness gatherings, toy drives, and community outreach efforts. Each partnership reflected a shared commitment to care, connection, and community. Thank you to the organizations and community members who helped make this season meaningful. USO, Los Angeles Mission, Chicanos Por La Causa, Inc. (CPLC), Compass Family Services, Centro San Antonio, Institute on Aging

ACB Director of Governmental Affairs Claire Stanley, J.D. had a letter to the editor published in The Washington Post today. She highlights the barriers people who are blind or have low vision face with traditional ridesharing and explains why the arrival of autonomous vehicles like Waymo in Washington, D.C., represents a meaningful step toward greater independence. Link to article on ACB's website: https://lnkd.in/eZi-4qYN Link to article on Washington Post: https://lnkd.in/eexu3REf

Waymo and our partners are helping meet community needs. Staff and volunteers at Ability360, an organization dedicated to helping people with disabilities live independently, and Google employee volunteers recently worked side-by-side to prepare boxes of food and essential toiletries for families in need via Waymo’s fully autonomous vehicles. Thanks to everyone who pitched in and to Ability360 for the amazing work you do all year long.

While in the San Francisco Bay area this week attending a Meta Wearables Summit, ACB Director of Advocacy and Governmental Affairs Claire Stanley, J.D. and her guide dog, Tulane, took a Waymo ride! Autonomous vehicles like Waymo continue to expand mobility and independence for people who are blind or have low vision. Coalitions such as United for Autonomy, which includes ACB as a member, are working to advance federal policies that support the safe, effective deployment of AVs nationwide. Pictured is Tulane on the floor of the back seat, enjoying the ride.

1 in 26 people live with epilepsy. For many, that diagnosis means giving up the driver’s seat — but not independence. Colin Longworth, a Scottsdale professional living with epilepsy, uses Waymo’s fully autonomous rides to get to work safely and confidently. As featured in Your Valley, Colin’s story illustrates how accessible technology can empower adults with disabilities to stay mobile and connected. This Epilepsy Awareness Month, we’re proud to partner with the Epilepsy Foundation to raise awareness and support people across Arizona and beyond. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/e57CguNR #Waymo #EpilepsyAwareness #Accessibility #MobilityForAll #Inclusion

What are we thankful for this week? A $20,000 surprise from Waymo! Every year, Waymo hosts an employee voting campaign called Waymo Gives Back, where team members vote for their favorite nominated organizations to receive year-end donations in the communities they serve. We’re thrilled to share that Waymo employees voted for AllThrive 365 and thanks to their generosity, we’ve received a $20,000 donation just in time for Thanksgiving! In a world that feels uncertain, having steadfast partners like Waymo reminds us of the power of community. As our CEO, Tami Bohannon, says: “We can’t let fear drive us, but we can let an autonomous vehicle drive us.” Thank you, Waymo, for driving change and making a real difference for those we serve! Happy Thanksgiving!