[NFBWATLK] NFB Rideshare Testing Program Reminder

[Mary ellen]

The idea of identifying in advance is problematic.  Sometimes I explain that I'm blind and can be identified by my white cane if I'm in a place where the driver will need to find me and identify him or herself.  Unless I have a specific reason for letting a driver know, I see no reason to do so.  In the case of guide dogs, I fear that identifying in advance will become a means of managing discrimination rather than eliminating it.  Drivers who don't want dogs in their cars will simply not bid on your trip.  You won't have refusals, but you'll have a much smaller pool of available cars.

I recognize the value of proving that the driver is discriminating and making it harder to claim that he/she thought that your dog is a pet.  I'd love to have a strategy that's better than pre identifying.

Mary Ellen


-----Original Message-----
From: NFBWATLK [mailto:nfbwatlk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Michael Forzano via NFBWATLK
Sent: Tuesday, April 10, 2018 8:57 PM
To: Washington Association of Guide Dog Users; NFB of Washington Talk Mailing List
Cc: Michael Forzano
Subject: [NFBWATLK] NFB Rideshare Testing Program Reminder

HI All,

This is just a reminder that if you are a guide dog user and use Uber
or Lyft to continue reporting your experiences (both negative and
positive) to the NFB by filling out the form at
https://nfb.org/rideshare-test. The feedback is still extremely
important in helping ensure Uber and Lyft comply with the settlement,
and identify areas where it can be improved.

Note too that the NFB has posted at https://nfb.org/rideshare tips on
how to reduce ambiguity when interacting with a Lyft or Uber driver or
investigator. We want to prevent drivers saying that they didn't know
your animal was a service animal. The tips are as follows:

  1.  Help the driver know it is not a pet. Tell your driver, via
text, phone call, or in person, that you are traveling with your
service animal.
  2.  Tell Uber or Lyft that your driver knew it was a service animal.
When you complain, let them know that you told the driver about your
service animal. If the incident was witnessed by another person, tell
the rideshare company, and if possible provide contact information for
the witness.
  3.  Report non-service denial discrimination. If you experience
forms of discrimination related to your service animal other than
being denied a ride, please report these to Uber or Lyft and to NFB.
     *   NFB: https://nfb.org/rideshare-test

     *   Uber: https://help.uber.com/h/5f3eac46-e977-44a0-873e-f1881d48f4cb
or, for critical safety concerns, 800-285-9481
     *   Lyft: https://help.lyft.com/hc/en-us/requests/new?ticket_form_id=813147
or 844-250-3174

Thanks,
Mike

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