The ride-hailing company this week joined with the National Federation of the Blind for a partnership that promises to increase awareness of blind passengers’ rights, advocate for effective public policies and expand transportation options for blind passengers and those with low vision.
“Companies like Lyft are empowering blind people to live the lives we want by providing fast, convenient and affordable transportation,” National Federation of the Blind President Mark A. Riccobono said in a statement. “This empowerment can only be real and complete, however, if all blind people, including those who use guide dogs, are able to access the service when and where they need it, without fear that they will be refused service.”
“My wife Melissa uses a guide dog, and consequently our family has occasionally experienced the refusal of transportation services, which violates the legal and civil rights of the blind and people with disabilities,” Riccobono said. “The National Federation of the Blind applauds Lyft’s commitment to improve its service to guide dog users, and we look forward to working with Lyft to ensure that its efforts to do so are meaningful and effective.”
Lyft working with the federation’s technology staff to make its app more accessible.
“We have heard from many passengers with disabilities, including those who are blind or who have low vision, about how Lyft has transformed their lives,” Lyft Director of Public Policy Annabel Chang said in a statement. “This partnership will help us continue to improve our services to better serve the blind and low vision community.”
Today, we’re excited to announce our partnership with the National Federation of the Blind, which has led the way in advocating for the advancement of the blind and low vision community.
Access to affordable and flexible transportation can make a big difference in the lives of passengers with vision disabilities. But for many of these passengers, transportation options are limited.
Through our collaboration with the National Federation of the Blind, we’re working to increase awareness of blind passengers’ rights, implement effective public policies, and expand transportation options for those who are blind or low vision.
Here are some of the ways our partnership is improving the ride experience for blind passengers:
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Improving our app
We’re working alongside National Federation of the Blind’s Access Technology staff to make our app more accessible to blind passengers.
Educating the public and policymakers
We’re collaborating with the National Federation of the Blind to educate the public and policymakers on the importance of access to transportation, and how ride-sharing can improve the lives of blind passengers. We’re also participating in the National Federation of the Blind’s National Convention this summer in Orlando.
Educating drivers
With the help of the National Federation of the Blind, we have updated Lyft’s service animal policy for riders to provide clear instructions for drivers so they can offer welcoming and comfortable rides to blind and low vision passengers. Lyft is also committing to ongoing education to its driver community about the policy, and why it’s important to blind and low vision riders.
At Lyft, we celebrate a diverse culture where everyone feels welcome and respected. Our partnership with the National Federation of the Blind reflects an important step in our commitment to bringing the world’s best transportation to everyone — regardless of ability.
Because your vision shouldn’t impact your access to transportation.
