[NFB-Krafters-Korner] OT: National Federation of the Blind to Make Transportation Available to Blind Americans for Essential Services through Lyft during COVID-19

[Tammy Freitag]

From: Chris Danielsen
Director of Public Relations
National Federation of the Blind
(410) 659-9314, extension 2330
(410) 262-1281 (Cell)
cdanielsen at nfb.org<mailto:cdanielsen at nfb.org>

National Federation of the Blind to Make Transportation Available to
Blind Americans for Essential Services through Lyft during COVID-19
Blind Americans Will Receive Lyft Ride Credits to Buy Essentials and More

Baltimore, Maryland (April 23, 2020): The National Federation of the
Blind, as part of its ongoing efforts to protect and connect blind
Americans during the coronavirus pandemic, has partnered with Lyft to
provide access to transportation for blind people by distributing Lyft
discount codes through its affiliates. The partnership is a
LyftUp<https://www.lyft.com/blog/posts/supporting-our-community>
initiative, Lyft's comprehensive effort to expand transportation
access to those who need it most. In response to the COVID-19 crisis,
Lyft has activated more than 500 partners through LyftUp. This
includes efforts<https://www.lyft.com/blog/posts/supporting-our-community>
in collaboration with public health entities, local governments,
nonprofits, and community organizations to create new opportunities
for drivers, provide rides to those in need, and help distribute
essential goods during the COVID-19 situation.
"Access to affordable, reliable transportation is always critical for
blind people, but particularly at this time, since public
transportation and paratransit services are being scaled back to stop
the spread of the coronavirus," said Mark Riccobono, President of the
National Federation of the Blind. "Partnering with Lyft is one way in
which the National Federation of the Blind is protecting and
connecting blind people by facilitating essential travel to purchase
food, medicine, and other crucial goods and services that we and our
families need. We commend Lyft and its driver community for
collaborating with us to make this possible."
"We want to increase access to transportation for those who need it,
particularly to meet their essential needs during this time. By
activating LyftUp, we're able to partner with the National Federation
of the Blind to fill mobility needs so that blind people can connect
with essential services," said Lisa Boyd, Director of Social Impact,
Lyft. "We're also grateful to all those who drive with Lyft for
helping provide rides for those in need. Lyft will be supporting
drivers by creating new opportunities to help them earn additional
income through the Lyft app and continuously working to protect their
safety."
To make sure riders and drivers know the best ways to protect
themselves and those around them, Lyft is providing continuous
updates<https://www.lyft.com/safety/coronavirus/#driver>. To learn
more about how else Lyft is supporting its community during this time,
visit its blog.<https://www.lyft.com/blog/posts/supporting-our-community>
<https://www.lyft.com/blog/posts/supporting-our-community>
<https://www.lyft.com/blog/posts/supporting-our-community>About Lyft
Lyft was founded in 2012 by Logan Green and John Zimmer to improve
people's lives with the world's best transportation and is available
to 95 percent of the United States population as well as select cities
in Canada. Lyft is committed to effecting positive change for our
cities and making cities more livable for everyone through initiatives
that bridge transportation gaps, and by promoting transportation
equity through shared rides, bikeshare systems, electric scooters, and
public transit partnerships.
About the National Federation of the Blind
The National Federation of the Blind (NFB), headquartered in
Baltimore, is the oldest and largest nationwide organization of blind
Americans. Founded in 1940, the NFB consists of affiliates, chapters,
and divisions in the fifty states, Washington DC, and Puerto Rico. The
NFB defends the rights of blind people of all ages and provides
information and support to families with blind children, older
Americans who are losing vision, and more. We believe in the hopes and
dreams of blind people and work together to transform them into
reality. Learn more about our many programs and initiatives at
www.nfb.org<http://www.nfb.org>.

###

This release is also available at:
https://www.nfb.org/about-us/press-room/national-federation-blind-make-transportation-available-blind-americans



Christopher S. Danielsen, J.D.
Director of Public Relations
200 East Wells Street, Baltimore, MD 21230
(410) 659-9314, Ext. 2330 | cdanielsen at nfb.org
Twitter: @rlawyer

[National Federation of the Blind]<https://nfb.org/>

                         [Facebook]
<http://www.facebook.com/nationalfederationoftheblind>     [Twitter]
<https://twitter.com/NFB_Voice>     [Youtube]
<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.

Disclaimer

The information contained in this communication from the sender is
confidential. It is intended solely for use by the recipient and
others authorized to receive it. If you are not the recipient, you are
hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, distribution or taking
action in relation of the contents of this information is strictly
prohibited and may be unlawful.

This email has been scanned for viruses and malware, and may have been
automatically archived by Mimecast Ltd, an innovator in Software as a
Service (SaaS) for business. Providing a safer and more useful place
for your human generated data. Specializing in; Security, archiving
and compliance. To find out more visit the Mimecast website.



-- 
Independence is yours .  Are you willing to reach for it?
Tammy