Vision Australia Radio welcomes returning sponsor, Uber, who has the desire to ensure that the Uber platform is a safe and accessible space for everyone – including those with a disability.
Uber has recently introduced a new optional feature for riders with an assistance animal that aims to make their Uber experience better.
Riders now have the option to self-identify (to their driver) as having an assistance animal in the Uber app. Riders can choose to automatically notify driver-partners of this information when they arrive at the pickup location.
With this update, Uber’s goal is to foster clearer communication and greater confidence for both riders and driver-partners throughout their journey.
What does this mean for driver-partners?
If a rider opts-in to notifying driver-partners that they’re traveling with an assistance animal, the driver-partner will receive a notification in the Uber Driver app when they arrive at the pickup location.
Drivers will also receive on-trip reminders that it is their legal obligation to accept riders with an assistance animal.
Legal obligation for driver-partners
Driver-partners are required by law to accept all trips from riders with assistance animals regardless of whether they have chosen to use this feature.
Uber’s assistance animal policy
It is against the law to discriminate against riders with disabilities. Uber’s assistance animal policy and community guidelines are clear:
driver-partners are prohibited from refusing service to riders with assistance animals or discriminating against them due to their assistance animal.
Driver-partners who refuse service to riders with an assistance animal may permanently lose access to the Uber Driver app. Fines may also apply.
Learn more about the new accessibility features by selecting the following link: Self-ID on Uber or explore the changes within the Uber app. Keep listening to Vision Australia Radio for more news on Uber and their support to the blind, low vision and print disability community.
