[NAGDU] New options for personal disclosure with Uber

[Elizabeth Campbell]

Jenine,

Thanks very much for sharing this information.
I agree that this change was timed to coincide with the upcoming rally. A
couple of questions came to mind. First, where is the accessibility page in
the Uber app, and why do we need to go to a separate area if we choose to
self-identify as having a visual impairment and a guide dog? Second
Will the drivers be required to watch the video on service animals before
they can drive for the platform, and if so, how will Uber enforce that
Finally, sending best wishes for a successful Stop the Discrimination rally

On Thu, Oct 10, 2024 at 1:17 PM Jenine Stanley via NAGDU <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
wrote:

> Coincidence? I think not.
>
>
>
> https://www.engadget.com/transportation/uber-will-let-riders-disclose-whether-theyre-hard-of-hearing-or-have-low-vision-130027692.html?guccounter=1
>
> Uber will let riders disclose whether they're hard of hearing or have low
> vision
> The ride-hailing service will add the new self-identification options this
> fall.
>
> mariella moon <https://www.engadget.com/about/editors/mariella-moon/>Thu,
> Oct 10, 2024 at 6:00 AM PDT
> 
> MOZCO Mateusz Szymanski via Getty Images
> Starting this fall, Uber will give its riders new self-identification
> options if they are deaf or hard-of-hearing and blind or have low vision.
> The company said that riders with hearing or vision issues often worry
> about potential misunderstandings that could cause them to miss their ride.
> If they choose to self-identify on the app, their driver will be notified
> beforehand and could work with them on their needs, such as making sure
> they're picked up exactly where they're located instead of having them look
> for their ride.
>
> Uber is also moving the communication preferences settings to the
> Accessibility page so that passengers can easily change their preferred
> contact method. If they indicate that they only want to communicate via
> in-app chat, for instance, their driver wouldn't be able to call them. The
> company will start pilot testing another self-identification option for
> riders with service animals in the US and Canada over the next few weeks,
> as well. Uber said it will send its drivers a new service animal education
> video, with tips on how to transport the service animals and a reminder
> that it's against the company's policy to deny someone a ride because
> they're traveling with one.
>
> Uber has added features to make its rides more accessible over the years,
> but it hasn't been smooth sailing for the company. It previously faced
> lawsuits <
> https://www.engadget.com/judge-says-uber-doesnt-need-to-provide-wheelchair-accessible-vehicles-101513774.html>
> for not providing wheelchair-accessible service in every US market even
> after teaming up <
> https://www.engadget.com/2018-11-20-uber-enlists-help-improve-wheelchair-accessible-rides.html>
> with an external company to improve its accessibility for wheelchair users.
> In 2021, the Department of Justice sued the ride-hailing platform for
> charging passengers <
> https://www.engadget.com/justice-department-uber-disability-lawsuit-214724043.html>
> "wait time" fees because they need more time to enter a car due to their
> disabilities. And even with its promise to foster inclusion and be more
> accessible, whether or not a passenger gets a ride may still depend on the
> driver <
> https://www.dcnewsnow.com/news/local-news/washington-dc/exclusive-maryland-woman-says-uber-lyft-drivers-canceled-rides-because-of-wheelchair/
> >.
>
>
>
>
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-- 
Elizabeth Campbell