[NAGDU] Fw: YouTube Video Tests Lyft’s Commitment to Transport Service Animals

Fri Sep 22 16:07:35 UTC 2023

Hello Michael, and all, I think it is clear that NAGDU is taking a stand on this issue. I think that there has been helpful information about it, and I think that that we should all be sure we’ve read it, and understand what NAGDU is asking us to do and why. Cindy Lou Ray, moderator Cindy ray at gmail.com.
Cindy Lou Ray
Sent from my iPhone

> On Sep 22, 2023, at 11:03 AM, Michael Forzano via NAGDU <nagdu at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> Hi All, this is an important issue that we should discuss and take a
> position on as a membership. I hope we can set aside our differences with
> this organization, they were simply the messenger here.
> 
> The individual posted another video yesterday stating that denying guide
> dogs Lyft rides is "just business" and "not personal". In short they aren't
> backing down and I think NFB reaching out to our contacts at Lyft would
> make sense here.
> 
> -Mike
> 
>> On Mon, Sep 18, 2023 at 3:32 PM Cindy Ray via NAGDU <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
>> wrote:
>> 
>> Greetings, Al, and all, until our president or someone on the board weighs
>> in on this thread, I would like to say that it is closed. This is not a
>> NAGDU position, it is ASAP’s and theirs alone. So please no more messages
>> on it until the president or someone on the board weighs in. Thank you.
>> Cindy Ray, moderator.
>> Cindy Lou Ray
>> Sent from my iPhone
>> 
>>> On Sep 18, 2023, at 2:07 PM, Al Sten-Clanton via NAGDU <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
>> wrote:
>>> 
>>> As bad as his views may be, I think it's even worse to call for
>> removing him from YouTube.  Furthermore, his Lyft account should be
>> deactivated if he violates the law, not for speaking his addled mind
>> alone.  The right response to bad ideas is better, more logical ones.
>>> 
>>> 
>>> Al
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>>> On 9/18/23 14:25, Shane Popplestone via NAGDU wrote:
>>>> I received the following from Advocates for Service Animal Partners
>> (asap) and am passing it along. Please read and as appropriate take the
>> actions they suggest.
>>>> 
>>>> Shane Popplestone
>>>> President of the Ohio Association of blind students
>>>> Co-chair of the ohio newsline committee
>>>> member of the Grater Akron Chapter
>>>> member of Ohio Association of Guide Dog users
>>>> spopplestone.nfb at gmail.com
>>>> 234-716-2208
>>>> You can live the life you want!
>>>> 
>>>> 
>>>> ------ Forwarded Message ------
>>>> From "Advocates for Service Animal Partners (ASAP)" <
>> advocacy411 at gmail.com>
>>>> To "Advocates for Service Animal Partners" <Advocacy411 at gmail.com>
>>>> Date 9/18/2023 1:56:22 PM
>>>> Subject YouTube Video Tests Lyft’s Commitment to Transport Service
>> Animals
>>>> 
>>>> Please circulate the following message as widely as appropriate.
>>>> 
>>>> A new YouTube video published by a self-described Rideshare expert will
>> test Lyft’s commitment to complying with state and federal law while
>> upholding its driver terms and conditions. In this offensive video, a Lyft
>> driver expresses his opposition to transporting service animals by
>> contending that “Lyft forces drivers to transport service animals”. The
>> fact this ignorant, ablest rant misses is that it is not Lyft requiring
>> this driver to transport us with our service animals. It is state and
>> federal law!
>>>> 
>>>> In addition to demonstrating his willingness to violate our legally
>> protected civil rights and encourage others to do so, what he asserts are
>> the same lies and misinformation that lie at the heart of our struggles for
>> equal participation in society on terms of equality. He asserts service
>> animals are dirty and smelly, leaving dog hair all over the vehicle,
>> licking the backs of the seats and drooling on the floor. He contends
>> carrying service animals “does not make good business sense”. It is our
>> hope that you will join us to tell Lyft and this fool that violating our
>> civil rights is what does not make good business sense!
>>>> 
>>>> Finally, this individual’s ignorance is further illustrated in his
>> assertions that people have brought service rabbits and snakes into his
>> vehicle, asserting he is being “forced by Lyft” to transport these
>> creatures. Since service animals are only dogs and, in some circumstances,
>> miniature horses, the absurdity of his rant is on full display.
>>>> 
>>>> Advocates for Service Animal Partners has contacted Lyft and YouTube
>> concerning this issue. We have demanded that Lyft stand in solidarity with
>> service animal handlers by immediately and permanently deactivating this
>> driver’s account, publicly denouncing this video, advising drivers that
>> following this ill-informed advice will lead to immediate, permanent
>> deactivation of the driver’s Lyft account, and advise Advocates for Service
>> Animal Partners when these steps are taken so we can publicize it widely
>> and send the message that we will not tolerate the denial of our civil
>> rights.
>>>> 
>>>> We have also asked that YouTube remove the video because it violates
>> its user terms and conditions by inciting and encouraging others to
>> participate in illegal behavior.
>>>> 
>>>> 
>>>> WHAT YOU CAN DO
>>>> 
>>>> Advocates for Service Animal Partners encourages you to contact Lyft
>> and send them the message that you expect them to comply with state and
>> federal law and their driver terms and conditions by permanently
>> deactivating this driver’s profile and publicizing the deactivation as
>> widely as possible to demonstrate Lyft’s commitment to providing full and
>> equal access to their vehicles by service animal handlers. You can submit
>> your complaint on the Lyft app or by calling (844) 554-1927. When you file
>> your complaint, be sure to give Lyft the URL below so they can see it for
>> themselves!
>>>> 
>>>> We also urge you to go to this driver’s YouTube channel
>>>> 
>>>> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FlcGCVuxORw
>>>> 
>>>> 
>>>> There you will be able to hear the ignorance for yourself. While you
>> are there, dislike the video, make your comments about how ignorant and
>> misinformed this driver is in the comment section, and report the video to
>> YouTube for inciting and encouraging illegal behavior.
>>>> 
>>>> Once you have filed your complaints, please let us know so we can have
>> a handle on our network’s effectiveness. Please visit our website
>> https://www.ServiceAnimals.info <https://www.serviceanimals.info>
>>>> 
>>>> and click on “Become a Partner”. There you will find a contact form to
>> complete. Please complete this form and let us know what you have done on
>> this front in the comments section. Not only will we know how our advocacy
>> efforts are working, we will be able to let the public know the force of
>> the service animal advocacy movement. In addition, you will be able to keep
>> up with all the invaluable work of Advocates for Service Animal Partners,
>> the only organization dedicated exclusively to securing, protecting, and
>> advancing the civil rights of those of us who use service animals.
>>>> 
>>>> Finally, remember that Advocates for Service Animal Partners offers the
>> only 24-hour hotline for service animal information. You can call ASAP211
>> by dialing 855-ASAP211 (855-272-7211). Let’s move forward together!
>>>> 
>>>> Advocates for Service Animal Partners is the only organization in the
>> United States supporting, protecting, and advancing the civil rights of
>> those of us who use service animals to live full, productive lives.
>> Continuing and expanding this work is essential! Please consider supporting
>> Advocates for Service Animal Partners by making a one-time or recurring
>> gift. Simply visit
>>>> 
>>>> https://www.Service Animals.info/Support Us
>>>> 
>>>> and complete the donation form. All donations are tax-deductible under
>> IRS 501c(3). While on our site, please subscribe to our email newsletter.
>>>> 
>>>> Marion Gwizdala, President/CEO
>>>> 
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>>> 
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