[Ohio-Talk] National Federation of the Blind to Make Transportation Available to Blind Americans for Essential Services through Lyft during COVID-19.

[Richard Payne]

	FOR RELEASE: April 23, 2020
 
Contact:
Chris Danielsen
Director of Public Relations
National Federation of the Blind
(410) 659-9314, extension 2330
(410) 262-1281 (Cell)
cdanielsen at nfb.org <mailto:cdanielsen at nfb.org> 
 
National Federation of the Blind to Make Transportation Available to Blind
Americans for Essential Services through Lyft during COVID-19
Blind Americans Will Receive Lyft Ride Credits to Buy Essentials and More
 
Baltimore, Maryland (April 23, 2020): The National Federation of the Blind,
as part of its ongoing efforts to protect and connect blind Americans during
the coronavirus pandemic, has partnered with Lyft to provide access to
transportation for blind people by distributing Lyft discount codes through
its affiliates. The partnership is a LyftUp
<https://www.lyft.com/blog/posts/supporting-our-community>  initiative,
Lyft's comprehensive effort to expand transportation access to those who
need it most. In response to the COVID-19 crisis, Lyft has activated more
than 500 partners through LyftUp. This includes efforts
<https://www.lyft.com/blog/posts/supporting-our-community>  in collaboration
with public health entities, local governments, nonprofits, and community
organizations to create new opportunities for drivers, provide rides to
those in need, and help distribute essential goods during the COVID-19
situation. 
"Access to affordable, reliable transportation is always critical for blind
people, but particularly at this time, since public transportation and
paratransit services are being scaled back to stop the spread of the
coronavirus," said Mark Riccobono, President of the National Federation of
the Blind. "Partnering with Lyft is one way in which the National Federation
of the Blind is protecting and connecting blind people by facilitating
essential travel to purchase food, medicine, and other crucial goods and
services that we and our families need. We commend Lyft and its driver
community for collaborating with us to make this possible." 
"We want to increase access to transportation for those who need it,
particularly to meet their essential needs during this time. By activating
LyftUp, we're able to partner with the National Federation of the Blind to
fill mobility needs so that blind people can connect with essential
services," said Lisa Boyd, Director of Social Impact, Lyft. "We're also
grateful to all those who drive with Lyft for helping provide rides for
those in need. Lyft will be supporting drivers by creating new opportunities
to help them earn additional income through the Lyft app and continuously
working to protect their safety."
To make sure riders and drivers know the best ways to protect themselves and
those around them, Lyft is providing continuous updates
<https://www.lyft.com/safety/coronavirus/> . To learn more about how else
Lyft is supporting its community during this time, visit its blog.
<https://www.lyft.com/blog/posts/supporting-our-community> 
 <https://www.lyft.com/blog/posts/supporting-our-community> 
 <https://www.lyft.com/blog/posts/supporting-our-community> About Lyft
Lyft was founded in 2012 by Logan Green and John Zimmer to improve people's
lives with the world's best transportation and is available to 95 percent of
the United States population as well as select cities in Canada. Lyft is
committed to effecting positive change for our cities and making cities more
livable for everyone through initiatives that bridge transportation gaps,
and by promoting transportation equity through shared rides, bikeshare
systems, electric scooters, and public transit partnerships.
About the National Federation of the Blind 
The National Federation of the Blind (NFB), headquartered in Baltimore, is
the oldest and largest nationwide organization of blind Americans. Founded
in 1940, the NFB consists of affiliates, chapters, and divisions in the
fifty states, Washington DC, and Puerto Rico. The NFB defends the rights of
blind people of all ages and provides information and support to families
with blind children, older Americans who are losing vision, and more. We
believe in the hopes and dreams of blind people and work together to
transform them into reality. Learn more about our many programs and
initiatives at www.nfb.org <http://www.nfb.org> . 
 
###

This release is also available at:
https://www.nfb.org/about-us/press-room/national-federation-blind-make-trans
portation-available-blind-americans
 
 
 
Christopher S. Danielsen, J.D.
Director of Public Relations
200 East Wells Street, Baltimore, MD 21230
(410) 659-9314, Ext. 2330 | cdanielsen at nfb.org <mailto:cdanielsen at nfb.org> 
Twitter: @rlawyer 
 
 <https://nfb.org/> 
 
 
<http://www.facebook.com/nationalfederationoftheblind>
<https://twitter.com/NFB_Voice>      <https://www.youtube.com/NationsBlind> 
 
The National Federation of the Blind is a community of members and friends
who believe in the hopes and dreams of the nation's blind. Every day we work
together to help blind people live the lives they want. 
 
 


Richard Payne,  President
National Federation of the Blind of Ohio
937/829/3368
Rchpay7 at gmail.com
The National Federation of the Blind knows that blindness is not the
characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the
expectations of blind people, because low expectations create obstacles
between blind people and our dreams. You can live the life you want;
blindness is not what holds you back


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