Starting this fall, Uber will give its drivers new self-identification options if they are deaf or hard of hearing and if they are blind or visually impaired. Drivers with hearing or vision problems often worry about potential misunderstandings that could cause them to miss their trip, the company said. If they choose to self-identify in the app, their drivers will be notified in advance and can work with them to meet their needs, such as making sure they’re picked up from where they are instead of viewing a ride.
Uber is also moving communication preference settings to the Accessibility page so passengers can easily change their preferred communication method. For example, if they indicate that they only want to communicate via in-app chat, the driver will not be able to call them. The company will begin testing another self-identification option for riders with service animals in the U.S. and Canada in the next few weeks. Uber said it will send a new service animal education video to its drivers with tips on how to transport their service animals and a reminder that it’s against company policy to not allow them to ride because they’re traveling with someone.
Uber has added more features over the years to make its rides more accessible, but it hasn’t been easy for the company. Previously faced the courts and then for not providing wheelchair accessible service in every US market to unite with a foreign company to improve accessibility for wheelchair users. In 2021, the Justice Department sued the ride-hailing platform to charge passengers “Waiting time” fees because it takes longer to get into a car because of their disability. And even with the promise of encouraging access and being more accessible, whether or not a passenger gets on depends on the driver.
