[NFBWATLK] NFB and Lyft partner to get blind people to the polls

[Marci Carpenter]

Fellow Federationists

Election Day is right around the corner! This year, we are excited to be partnering with Lyft to make sure blind people who need it have transportation to their accessible polling place. In case you are not familiar with Lyft, it is a service that provides rides on demand, similar to taxis but usually cheaper. Lyft vehicles are operated by drivers who wish to make extra money using their own vehicles. Lyft vehicles may therefore not have wheelchair access. Lyft drivers are, however, required to accept riders with guide dogs or service animals.

The National Federation of the Blind of Washington has 50 Lyft promo codes available for members and other blind people who could use this assistance. Persons wanting to use the codes must contact me and I will provide them with the codes. Each promo code is worth $15. Please only ask for a code if you plan to vote during early voting or on Election Day and will use the code for that purpose. Please also keep in mind that this offer was developed primarily for people who might otherwise not be able to get to their accessible polling place. Due to Washington's Vote By Mail system we recognize that the nearest accessible poling place may be more that a $15 Lyft ride away. We can give you one code for each direction if needed. If it costs more than $15 to get to your polling place the code will provide $15 off the cost of the Lyft ride. This program is not limited to new Lyft customers.

If you request a code and you don’t already have the Lyft app, you will need to download it on your smartphone or other device. You will find instructions for setting up the app and requesting a ride below.

Please let me know by Monday, November 5 if you would like a promo coder codes. They will be given on a first-come, first-served basis.

We’re hoping to help as many blind people as possible get to the polls this year!

Sincerely, 

Marci Carpenter, President
National Federation of the Blind of Washington
206-604-5507
mjc59 at comcast.net <mailto:mjc59 at comcast.net>
www.nfbw.org <http://www.nfbw.org/>

Please note: In some areas, Lyft service may not be available. 


Lyft iOS Directions

Download the Lyft app from the App Store and set up your account.
When you are ready to head to your polling place, open the Lyft app and tap on "Where to?" This will bring up a text field where you can enter the address of your polling place. You can also search for the name of your polling place. For example, if my polling location was Fullerton Elementary School located at 4711 N 138th Street, I could type "4711 N 138," or "Fullerton" in that edit box. 
Above the keyboard, near the top part of the screen, search results will populate as you type. Once you have typed in the address or name of your polling place, touch toward the top of the screen and swipe until you find the correct location. Double tap on that location.
That will bring up the "Mode Selection” screen where you can choose what kind of Lyft car you want. The types of cars available vary by location, but the standard Lyft is a car that seats four people. This is the most common and least expensive option. Double tap on the option you want, and VoiceOver will say it is selected.
To enter the promo code, flick to "Payment Method" and double tap. Flick to "Enter Promo Code" and double tap. That will bring up a text field where you can type in your code. Once you have entered the code, hit "Done," at the bottom right corner of the screen. Once it has been accepted, exit the payment method screen by hitting "Done" at the top right of the screen.
This should take you back to the "Mode Selection” screen and your previous options should still be selected. Now double tap on "Select Lyft," and you will be taken to a screen where you can select your pickup location. Lyft uses your phone's GPS to get an idea where you are, so usually the pickup location is close to accurate. If it isn't, double tap on the text field and enter your location the same way you did when putting in your destination. 
Finally, double tap on "Request Ride," and your ride should be on the way. You’ll be headed to vote in no time!
Lyft Android Directions
Download the Lyft app from the Play Store and set up your account.
When you are ready to head to your polling place, open the Lyft app and tap on "Where to?" This will bring up a text field where you can enter the address of your polling place. You can also search for the name of your polling place. For example, if my poling location was Fullerton Elementary School located at 4711 N. 138th street, I could type "4711 N 138," or "Fullerton" in that edit box. 
Above the keyboard, near the top part of the screen, search results will populate as you type. Once you have typed in the address or name of your polling place, touch toward the top of the screen and swipe until you find the correct location. Double tap on that location.
That will bring up the "Mode Selection” screen where you can choose what kind of Lyft car you want. The types of cars available vary by location, but the original Lyft is a car that seats four people. This is the most common option, and the least expensive. Double tap on the option you want, and TalkBack will say it is selected.
To enter the promo code, flick to the item with your current payment method, for example "VISA 1234," and double tap. Flick to "Enter Promo Code" and double tap. That will bring up a text field where you can type in your code. Once you have entered the code, hit "Done," at the bottom right corner of the screen. Once it has been accepted, exit the payment method screen by hitting "Done" at the top right of the screen.
This should take you back to the "Mode Selection” screen, and your previous options should still be selected. Now double tap on "Select Lyft," and you will be taken to a screen where you can select your pickup location. Lyft uses your phone's GPS to get an idea where you are, so usually the pickup location is close to accurate. If it isn't, double tap on the text field and enter your location the same way you did when putting in your destination. 
Finally, double tap on "Request Ride," and your ride should be on the way. You’ll be headed to vote in no time!