As a service animal handler, I feel the same sort of anxiety each time I open the Uber or Lyft app. I will even admit that I have sometimes opted for the easy out of not taking my service dog when I really wanted and felt I needed him so as to not risk missing an important meeting due to a driver’s failure to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. I have had Uber drivers speed away as I approach their vehicle and even had my hand caught in a door handle as the Uber pulled away! A strong, collective voice among service animal handlers can make a significant impact on this serious, pervasive, and persistent discrimination!
On Tuesday, February 7 at 1:00 & 8:00 p.m. Eastern, Advocates for Service Animal Partners will host “Solving the Uber & Lyft Service Animal Problem: You have the power!” This conversation will feature David Shaffer, a prominent Washington, D.C. civil rights attorney.
Our experts will
*Discuss the issues we face with Uber and Lyft
*Help us understand the value and importance of collective action
*Share tips on how to gather compelling evidence
*Help us navigate the complaint filing process.
Every disabled individual who uses a service animal knows that Uber and Lyft are among the biggest offenders when it comes to violating our civil rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Though each company has specific policies concerning their drivers’ responsibilities to provide rides to those of us who use service dogs to mitigate our disabilities, it seems their commitment to comply with the law and hold their drivers responsible are nothing more than words. In fact, when one service dog handler contacted Uber about one of their drivers denying a ride twice in three days, she was told she should request that driver not be assigned to her rather than permanently removing the driver from their platform as their policy requires.
Advocates for Service Animal Partners urges you to join us in holding Uber and Lyft accountable for their persistent and pervasive pattern of discrimination by demanding the Department of Justice send a clear and unmistakable message to Uber and Lyft that denying our civil rights will no longer be tolerated!
WHAT: Solving the Uber/Lyft Service Animal Problem: You have the power!
WHEN: Tuesday, February 7, 2023TIMES: 1:00 p.m. & 8:00 p.m. Eastern
WHERE: Anywhere & Everywhere Via Zoom; the link will be sent upon registration