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Prism

(5,815 posts)
Thu Jul 2, 2015, 04:34 PM Jul 2015

UberAssist rolling out in San Francisco (disability and special needs)

Posting this here, because just the other day some people had thoughts about Uber's lack of disability requirements in recent threads, so I figured I'd post an e-mail I just received as a driver:

"UberAsisst [drivers] are trained to help riders who may be in need of additional service. This may range from those with disabilities, to those with special needs, to the elderly."

There's a "training course" which seems to consist of a video and an online course testing you on the video. I've not done it, so I can't speak to how thorough it is. (As someone with experience caring for the disabled, that kind of worries me. Will people be asked to do transfers or anything? You can't learn that from YouTube, believe me).

They are not offering this program to all drivers. Only drivers with very high ratings are being asked to participate in the Assist program and training (my rating is very close to 5).

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UberAssist rolling out in San Francisco (disability and special needs) (Original Post) Prism Jul 2015 OP
Are they making any effort to recruit drivers with wheelchair-accessible vehicles? KamaAina Jul 2015 #1
I can't say for certain. Prism Jul 2015 #3
Update after seeing the video Prism Jul 2015 #2
 

KamaAina

(78,249 posts)
1. Are they making any effort to recruit drivers with wheelchair-accessible vehicles?
Thu Jul 2, 2015, 04:42 PM
Jul 2015

Their competitor Lyft was. Not sure how that's going since they apparently let go the guy I know who was their access consultant and was supposed to find me something there, dammit!

 

Prism

(5,815 posts)
3. I can't say for certain.
Thu Jul 2, 2015, 04:45 PM
Jul 2015

I drive a four door Corolla, so it's possible I don't get e-mails about it. They tend to target their driver updates/promotions/recruitment literature based on what kind of driver you are and what vehicle you own.

I know UberXL is specifically for ordering a van or SUV. But, I've never seen them ask specifically for people with lifts.

 

Prism

(5,815 posts)
2. Update after seeing the video
Thu Jul 2, 2015, 04:43 PM
Jul 2015

It's more or less a sensitivity and interaction training video.

Be observant in order to spot a potential disability.

Ask the passenger how you may assist them. If using an assistive device, ask the passenger if they have a preference for disassembly/storage.

A reminder that service animals are to be allowed in the car (back seat, on the floor).

Listen to the passenger (accept their reply for assistance if they tell you "no&quot .

Then there are a few instructionals how to disassemble and store common scooters/wheelchairs/walkers in a vehicle.

Reminder of how to assist/guide blind passengers (offer your arm or elbow).

A list of acceptable/unacceptable words when referring to someone with a disability.

That seems to be about the sum of it.

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