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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link="#0563C1" vlink="#954F72" style='word-wrap:break-word'><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal>Lyft Responds to ASAP <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Please circulate the following message as widely as appropriate.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> On September 18, Advocates for Service Animal Partners (ASAP) mobilized our partners in response to an offensive YouTube video in which a Lyft driver made offensive, disparaging remarks about those of us who use service animals, encouraging other drivers to refuse to transport us. This driver asserts that service animals stink, lick the backs of seats, drool on the floor, and leave his vehicle so dirty it takes twenty minutes to clean it. He asserts Lyft forces drivers to carry service animals which “does not make good business sense”, violating his right to free speech.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> Upon learning of this offensive diatribe encouraging ablest drivers to pass by service animal handlers, we thought it might be a good idea to let this driver know that what does not make “good business sense” is defying Lyft’s driver terms and conditions, not to mention violating state and federal antidiscrimination laws. We contacted Lyft and demanded the driver’s account be permanently deactivated and encouraged others to do the same. Your advocacy seems to have made a difference! <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:.5in'>Lyft has responded to ASAP and said, in part, “<span style='color:#2B2E2F'>rest assured that we will find the driver that was on that video and will take all the necessary actions that we have in place.” Lyft has asked to meet with Advocates for Service Animal Partners’ president/CEO, Marion Gwizdala, to further discuss this video and create counter programming to ensure that drivers realize that following this advice will result in the same decisive, permanent deactivation of their accounts as this driver faced.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#2B2E2F'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#2B2E2F'> Just because Lyft has responded is not a reason for us to stand down. Lyft may say they want to resolve this issue while the pressure is on for them to do so but may renege on their offer once the pressure subsides. we are finding ourselves in a position to make real change and we must keep the pressure on, as this is Lyft’s incentive to follow through. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#2B2E2F'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal>WHAT YOU CAN DO<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Advocates for Service Animal Partners encourages you to continue contacting Lyft and sending 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) 554-1297. When you file your complaint, be sure to give Lyft the URL below so they can see it for themselves! <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:.5in'>We also urge you to go to this driver’s YouTube channel <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FlcGCVuxORw">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FlcGCVuxORw</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>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. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:.5in'>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 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.ServiceAnimals.info">https://www.ServiceAnimals.info</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>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. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> Finally, remember that Advocates for Service Animal Partners offers the only 24-hour hotline for service animal resources and information. Our advocates can assist you when you have an access issue, offering guidance to navigate the issue, and mediate service animal access denials. You can call the ASAP Service Animal Information & Resource Hotline by calling 855-ASAP211 (855-272-7211). Let’s move forward together!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> 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 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.Service">https://www.Service</a> Animals.info/Support Us<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>and complete the donation form. All donations are tax-deductible under IRS 501c(3). While on our site, please subscribe to our email newsletter.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Marion Gwizdala, President/CEO<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div></body></html>