[NFBF-Tampa] Solving the Uber/Lyft service Animal Problem: You have the power!

Wed Jan 25 20:20:38 UTC 2023

Dear Ed,

                There are numerous problems with your simplistic solution .
First of all, para transit only provides transportation within a specified
radius of the fixed route system and only during the regular hours during
which the fixed route system operates. It also requires advanced
reservations and can take an inordinate amount of time to get you to your
destination. In addition, there are limitations as to how many pieces
(packages) one may take and who they will transport. For instance, if I am
returning from a gig at 1:00 a.m., I cannot use para transit. Since I need
to transport my instruments and sound gear, I cannot do so on para transit.
If I have two friends with me, neither of whom are disabled, para transit
will only transport one of them. Lastly, Uber and Lyft cannot legally refuse
to transport a disabled individual accompanied by a service dog either! Oh,
and do I need to remind you that I was denied a ride on HART Plus because
the driver asserted my dog was too big?

Respectfully submitted,

Marion Gwizdala . 

From: NFBF-Tampa <nfbf-tampa-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Edward Sanders
via NFBF-Tampa
Sent: Wednesday, January 25, 2023 1:00 PM
To: 'NFB of Florida Tampa Chapter List' <nfbf-tampa at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Edward Sanders <griffsanders at gmail.com>
Subject: Re: [NFBF-Tampa] Solving the Uber/Lyft service Animal Problem: You
have the power!

Easy fix use hart-plus!They can't refuse your guide dog.

From: NFBF-Tampa <nfbf-tampa-bounces at nfbnet.org
<mailto:nfbf-tampa-bounces at nfbnet.org> > On Behalf Of Marion Gwizdala via
NFBF-Tampa
Sent: Wednesday, January 25, 2023 11:06 AM
To: 'NFB of Florida Tampa Chapter List' <nfbf-tampa at nfbnet.org
<mailto:nfbf-tampa at nfbnet.org> >
Cc: marion.gwizdala at verizon.net <mailto:marion.gwizdala at verizon.net> 
Subject: [NFBF-Tampa] Solving the Uber/Lyft service Animal Problem: You have
the power!

Webinar: Solving the Uber/Lyft Service Animal Problem: You have the power!

 <https://www.serviceanimals.info/webinar-registration.html> Join the
conversation

As a service animal handler, I feel the same sort of anxiety each time I
open the Uber or Lyft app. I will even admit that I have sometimes opted for
the easy out of not taking my service dog when I really wanted and felt I
needed him so as to not risk missing an important meeting due to a driver's
failure to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. I have had Uber
drivers speed away as I approach their vehicle and even had my hand caught
in a door handle as the Uber pulled away! A strong, collective voice among
service animal handlers can make a significant impact on this serious,
pervasive, and persistent discrimination!

 <https://www.serviceanimals.info/webinar-registration.html> Join the
conversation

On Tuesday, February 7 at 1:00 & 8:00 p.m. Eastern, Advocates for Service
Animal Partners will host "Solving the Uber & Lyft Service Animal Problem:
You have the power!" This conversation will feature David Shaffer, a
prominent Washington, D.C. civil rights attorney.

Our experts will
*Discuss the issues we face with Uber and Lyft
*Help us understand the value and importance of collective action
*Share tips on how to gather compelling evidence
*Help us navigate the complaint filing process.

 <https://www.serviceanimals.info/webinar-registration.html> Join the
conversation

Every disabled individual who uses a service animal knows that Uber and Lyft
are among the biggest offenders when it comes to violating our civil rights
under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Though each company has specific
policies concerning their drivers' responsibilities to provide rides to
those of us who use service dogs to mitigate our disabilities, it seems
their commitment to comply with the law and hold their drivers responsible
are nothing more than words. In fact, when one service dog handler contacted
Uber about one of their drivers denying a ride twice in three days, she was
told she should request that driver not be assigned to her rather than
permanently removing the driver from their platform as their policy
requires.

Advocates for Service Animal Partners urges you to join us in holding Uber
and Lyft accountable for their persistent and pervasive pattern of
discrimination by demanding the Department of Justice send a clear and
unmistakable message to Uber and Lyft that denying our civil rights will no
longer be tolerated!

 <https://www.serviceanimals.info/webinar-registration.html> Join the
conversation

WHAT: Solving the Uber/Lyft Service Animal Problem: You have the power!
WHEN: Tuesday, February 7, 2023TIMES: 1:00 p.m. & 8:00 p.m. Eastern
WHERE: Anywhere & Everywhere Via Zoom; the link will be sent upon
registration

Advocates for Service Animal Partners provides this material for
informational purposes only. Material contained here is not legal advice. If
you need legal advice, please contact an attorney licensed to practice law
in your state.

Marion Gwizdala, President/CEO

(He/His/Him)

Advocates for Service Animal Partners Inc. (ASAP)

Office: 386-ASAP411 (386-272-7411)

Hotline: 855-ASAP211 (855-272-7211)

 <mailto:Advocacy411 at gmail.com> Advocacy411 at gmail.com

ServiceAnimals.info

Facebook.com/asap411/

"Forward together!"

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