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

Fri Sep 22 16:08:56 UTC 2023

I see that there has been other discussion on this issue. Feel free to
disregard my previous message.

-Mike

On Fri, Sep 22, 2023 at 12:01 PM Michael Forzano <michaeldforzano at gmail.com>
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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>