[Nfbc-info] another Uber question

[Lori Noyes]

Lauren,

I use Uber and Lyft a lot.  I have some sight though.  I've never had an Uber driver honk – but I'm not usually in very crowded places where there's a lot of other Uber drivers.

After I call for a ride I contact the driver – you can do this by call or by text -  and let them know that you are blind and what you are wearing or maybe if you're wearing a hat or a bag that they can recognize, as well as your exact location. 

For example, once they assign the driver, I send a text stating "I am waiting in front of Bank of America wearing a gray T-shirt and black pants. I am legally blind".  Every driver has been grateful for the message. I don't know how you would do this using voice over or whatever it is called to message them?  I'm still able to use a magnifying glass to look at my phone.
Another thought is you can call for "Uber Assist" instead of UberX.  You may have a longer wait and it may not possible in your area depending on how many drivers have the certificate to assist the riders.  The driver gets paid more but unfortunately you as a rider will not get a discount. 

It takes lots of practice to get it down to a workable process. I've only been doing this for seven months but I seem to have a rhythm going now, LOL. I was so intimidated the first few times, but most of the drivers are really great and understanding of my issues.

I hope this helps.

Lori

On Jun 8, 2017, at 11:33 AM, Lauren Merryfield via NFBC-Info <nfbc-info at nfbnet.org> wrote:

Hi,

Okay, so I’ve now taken Uber twice with someone else contacting them, because my phone was not accepting messages. It turned out my phone company had inadvertently turned off short messages. 



Anyway, one problem I had was that one driver honked and I had no idea it was for me. Another one didn’t come to find me even though I was sitting outside where they could see me.  Later I was told that he thought I was asleep. 



The problem is, how do I get them to for sure, respond to me as a mullti-disabled blind person and let me know they’re there, and wait for me? (I’m a slow walker these days). 

I would feel less anxious if I knew of a pretty much sure fire way to get Uber drivers to let me know they’re there and stop long enough for me to get to their cars. I waited two hours at Kaiser the other day because of lack of connection with Ubers. The guy I got said they are training some to be assistive responders to help people who might need extra help like me. He was one of those who had been trained. I finally got home with his help. 

Thanks,

Lauren

Blessings in Jesus’ name!  

Deuteronomy 32New Living Translation (NLT)

32 “Listen, O heavens, and I will speak!

   Hear, O earth, the words that I say!



2 

Let my teaching fall on you like rain;

   let my speech settle like dew.

Let my words fall like rain on tender grass,

   like gentle showers on young plants.



3 

I will proclaim the name of the Lord;

   how glorious is our God!



4 

He is the Rock; his deeds are perfect.

   Everything he does is just and fair.

He is a faithful God who does no wrong;

   how just and upright he is!

Advice from my cats:"Meow when you feel like it." 











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