By Victoria Nolan, Head of Stakeholder Relations & Community Engagement
In October 2021, Uber held its first Inclusion Day to help their staff to better understand the needs of people with disabilities.
CNIB has been collaborating with Uber over the last year to improve both the platform Uber provides to its customers and the interactions between drivers and riders.
As a panelist at Uber’s first-ever Inclusion Day, I had the opportunity to share my experience as someone who is blind, and learn about the challenges that people with other disabilities have when it comes to riding Uber or using its services.
More than 300 Uber employees were present when we talked about our personal experiences, the changes we would like to see, and how Uber has the potential to bring more equality to the lives of people living with a disability.
Uber has the power to make dramatic changes in the lives of people with a disability – when it is inequitable, it creates isolation, fear, frustration and depression. If it is made equitable, it suddenly changes people’s ability, providing connection, community, hope and purpose.
Among the many changes discussed with Uber staff, CNIB is recommending a more accessible app and an end to drivers denying rides to passengers travelling with a guide dog.
Stay tuned for the action that results from this great beginning.