[NAGDU] Uber and NAGDU

Fri Jul 1 02:07:49 UTC 2016

We have had some access issues here as well in Houston. We have even offered to educate when they hold their so-called seminars to talk about people with disabilities. One of the Uber drivers told us that in one of their so-called training seminars they had a person who was a midget talking about all disabilities in one lump sum. Not very informative. The nice thing is that most of the time when there have been access issues they have been resolved and hopefully the driver is being told if not disciplined by Uber.

--
Raul A. Gallegos
Assistive Technology Trainer
“Any teacher that can be replaced with a computer, deserves to be.” – David Thornburg 

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> On Jun 30, 2016, at 5:59 PM, Michael Forzano via NAGDU <nagdu at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> I've been using Uber for almost 3 years (I think I've taken over 300
> rides). Other than access issues of course, and the occasional driver
> who doesn't know the city very well, I've never had any problems. I
> know the drivers are background checked. I'd trust an Uber driver over
> a cab any day, they are held more accountable for their actions by the
> rating system and a clear way to report them to Uber.
> 
> Regarding stereotyping, I agree we ideally shouldn't, but
> unfortunately the majority of my access issues have been by drivers
> from foreign countries. Perhaps they don't understand English well, or
> refuse to acknowledge that they have to abide by our laws here, I
> don't know. But in order to make this situation better I think Uber
> needs to keep that in mind. They already send out emails to drivers,
> at least hear in Seattle. Obviously the drivers aren't reading or
> understanding them if they continue to deny us. Uber needs to
> understand the reasons for this if they want to educate these drivers
> before they decide to deny us.
> 
> Mike
> 
>> On 6/30/16, Nancy VanderBrink via NAGDU <nagdu at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>> If it is all right, I would like to take a stab at this conversation. I
>> personally have been riding Uber since they came to our city over a year and
>> a half ago. Sure, I have had occasional issues with drivers and access and
>> being jerks but over all that is very small percentage of the interactions
>> that I have had with Uber. Let's be honest, that fits about the norm when
>> you go into restaurants or when you interact with people in the public with
>> your dog.
>> So, as has been stated before I have shared my ETA when I felt like I needed
>> to but the thing that I find great comfort inn is that I know who they are I
>> know what kind of car they drive apparently they have a picture which
>> doesn't help me any but I also have the license plate number which in turn
>> gives authorities access to where they live. So, all of this being said, I
>> know more about this person then I do about the cab driver who's car is
>> disgusting and they are rude and refuses to take my dog whenever I want to
>> go somewhere.
>> 
>> So, let's be honest have I taken a cab in the last year and a half? I think
>> the answer to that is maybe once and the only reason for that was that there
>> were no Uber cars anywhere nearby.
>> In fact, I work with visually impaired students and I have had many parents
>> ask me about my travels with Uber and one of my kids actually took an Uber
>> for a mobility lesson and had the instructor follow. I thought this was a
>> really great opportunity for them to try something new and it was also a
>> great exercise in letting them be independent.
>> So, my advice to you is if you feel nervous going somewhere the first time,
>> go with somebody. I have had sighted people told me they did that.
>> Also, I am a total nerd so I find it funny that an app that is supposed to
>> be for emergency services is called Petronas. Lol in case you don't know,
>> that is a way that Harry Potter characters would send an emergency message
>> to other characters. Quite ingenious I thought.
>> 
>> Sent from my iPhone
>> 
>>> On Jun 30, 2016, at 8:06 AM, Tracy Carcione via NAGDU <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
>>> wrote:
>>> 
>>> Hi Lisi.
>>> I too am wary of Uber.  I've heard stories of drivers coming on to female
>>> passengers, and worse.  I notice the only people who answered your
>>> question
>>> with experience were male, and, though I wish it weren't so, women have
>>> to
>>> be a bit more careful.  I expect having a big dog at your feet does help,
>>> though. "Does your dog bite?"  "No one has ever wanted to find out."
>>> I say, be bold, do what you want, but be wise, too, and consider ways to
>>> minimize your risks while doing the things you want to do.
>>> Tracy
>>> 
>>> 
>>> -----Original Message-----
>>> From: NAGDU [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Lisie Foster
>>> via
>>> NAGDU
>>> Sent: Thursday, June 30, 2016 3:59 AM
>>> To: NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users
>>> Cc: Lisie Foster
>>> Subject: Re: [NAGDU] Uber and NAGDU
>>> 
>>> Dear Buddy,
>>> 
>>> Thank you for understanding my concerns about Uber. I'm a natural worrier
>>> and you were spot on when you wrote, "Of course, when you're not used to
>>> having to rely on other transportation options, doing so for the first
>>> time
>>> as a necessity is, I'm sure, a bit daunting." It really is! I know in
>>> time
>>> it'll probably come as naturally to me as anything else, but it is quite
>>> a
>>> change.
>>> 
>>> I'm going to look up the Patronis app you mentioned, too. Thank you!
>>> 
>>> Lisie and a Sleepy Golden
>>> lisiefoster at yahoo.com
>>> Sent from my iPhone
>>> 
>>>>> On Jun 29, 2016, at 10:22 AM, Buddy Brannan via NAGDU
>>>>> <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
>>>> wrote:
>>>> 
>>>> Of course, when you're not used to having to rely on other
>>>> transportation
>>> options, doing so for the first time as a necessity is, I'm sure, a bit
>>> daunting.
>>> 
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