[NFB-Idaho] The DOJ is sewing uber.FW: [State-Affiliate-Leadership-List] Guidance On Rideshare Reporting

Tue Sep 16 14:12:14 UTC 2025

Dear Mark,

Thank you for sharing this incredible news about the Department of
Justice's lawsuit against Uber. This $125 million action represents a
monumental step forward in protecting the rights of people with
disabilities, and I want to express my deepest gratitude to both the
unnamed individual who brought these discrimination issues to light and to
the current administration's Department of Justice for making disability
rights enforcement a clear priority.

It's particularly meaningful to see the DOJ specifically addressing the
discrimination faced by blind individuals traveling with guide dogs—a form
of access denial that has gone unchallenged for far too long. The fact that
this administration has chosen to take such decisive action demonstrates a
commitment to defending not only the rights of people with disabilities,
but also those facing religious persecution and political harassment across
our nation.

The individual who first flagged these rideshare denials may not have been
aware of the Federation's advocacy work, but their courage to speak up has
now contributed to what could be landmark litigation. This is exactly the
kind of grassroots awareness that, when combined with organized advocacy
efforts, creates real systemic change.

I want to commend the current administration's Department of Justice for
prioritizing civil rights enforcement in a way that protects our most
vulnerable communities. In an era where many feel their fundamental rights
are under attack, it's reassuring to see federal agencies actively working
to ensure equal access and treatment for people with disabilities, people
of faith, and those experiencing discrimination based on their political
beliefs.

The message is clear: discrimination will not be tolerated, and there are
real consequences for companies that violate the civil rights of Americans.
This lawsuit sends a powerful signal to the entire rideshare industry and
beyond.

Thank you for bringing this to the attention of the Federation.  As you
noted, this work is making a real difference, and I encourage everyone to
continue reporting violations through the DOJ's online complaint system.

With appreciation for this administration's commitment to justice and
equality,

Kevin

On Mon, Sep 15, 2025 at 4:46 PM Dana Ard via NFB-Idaho <nfb-idaho at nfbnet.org>
wrote:

> If anyone has had denials from uber because of your guide dog or white
> cane, please read this information from President Riccobono.
>
>
>
> From: State-Affiliate-Leadership-List <
> state-affiliate-leadership-list-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of
> President, National Federation of the Blind via
> State-Affiliate-Leadership-List
> Sent: Monday, September 15, 2025 1:32 PM
> To: State Affiliate Leadership (state-affiliate-leadership-list at nfbnet.org)
> <state-affiliate-leadership-list at nfbnet.org>
> Cc: President, National Federation of the Blind <
> OfficeOfThePresident at nfb.org>
> Subject: [State-Affiliate-Leadership-List] Guidance On Rideshare Reporting
> Importance: High
>
>
>
> Dear Affiliate Presidents:
>
>
>
> Thanks again to those of you who flagged the email in question. We have
> talked to the author. He is a blind person who has experienced rideshare
> denials but is not a member of the Federation and, therefore, is unaware of
> our comprehensive advocacy in this area.
>
>
>
> The Department of Justice filed a lawsuit last Thursday against Uber for
> their discrimination against people with disabilities. They specifically
> mention blind people traveling with guide dogs being denied rides. The
> Department of Justice is seeking “$125 million for individuals who have
> been subject to discrimination and previously submitted complaints to Uber
> or the Department.” You can read the full press release <
> https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-sues-uber-denying-rides-passengers-service-dogs-wheelchairs>
> here.
>
>
>
> While the press release mentions “previously submitted complaints”, it is
> still critical that we file complaints with the Department of Justice for
> any discrimination that occurs in the future or for any incidents that
> occurred in the past but which you did not report.
>
>
>
> This is the message we should be distributing to our members. It is now
> more important than ever to report all rideshare denials to the Department
> of Justice. To file a complaint about a rideshare denial, please submit a
> report using the Department of Justice’s online form <
> https://www.civilrights.justice.gov/report/> .
>
>
>
> Our advocacy is making a difference!
>
>
>
> Keep up the great work.
>
>
>
> Mark
>
>
>
>  Mark A. Riccobono, President
> National Federation of the Blind
> 200 East Wells Street, Baltimore, MD 21230
> (410) 659-9314 |  <mailto:Officeofthepresident at nfb.org>
> Officeofthepresident at nfb.org
>
> Please engage with me through  <
> https://riccobono.personal.ai/messaging/profile> Riccobono Personal AI
> Mastodon: @President at nfb.social
> Pronouns: he, him, his
>
>
>
>  <https://nfb.org/>
>
>
>
>                           <
> http://www.facebook.com/nationalfederationoftheblind>      <
> https://twitter.com/NFB_Voice>      <https://www.youtube.com/NationsBlind>
>
>
>
>
> The National Federation of the Blind is a community of members and friends
> who believe in the hopes and dreams of the nation’s blind. Every day we
> work together to help blind people live the lives they want.
>
>
>
>
>
> --
> This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software.
> www.avast.com_______________________________________________
> NFB-Idaho mailing list
> NFB-Idaho at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfb-idaho_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> NFB-Idaho:
>
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfb-idaho_nfbnet.org/kpirnie77%40gmail.com
>