Uber is rolling out new features aimed at making it easier for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to get from one place to another more independently.
The ride-sharing service said this week that it is launching a self-booking option so that riders with disabilities can arrange transportation on their own even if it’s being paid for through a health care provider or disability service organization.
Previously, providers could schedule and book rides through Uber Health for individuals with disabilities. With the new option, however, disability service providers can set a budget and other parameters such as a limit on the number of rides, the trip distance or the types of destinations. Then users can book and manage rides themselves.
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“We understand the challenges health care organizations face when it comes to transportation, and know that Uber Health’s scale and reliability can help address them head-on,” said Jen Shepherd, global head of Uber Health. “Rider self-booking offers riders more autonomy and control while giving health systems, providers, I/DD organizations, and Financial Management Services a simpler and more reliable way to manage their transportation programs without the administrative stress.”
Uber said that individuals with developmental disabilities can use the new self-booking option to arrange trips to jobs, community centers, appointments, to run errands and more.
In addition, riders with developmental disabilities can opt into “simple mode” on the Uber app, which offers larger text, fewer buttons and less to navigate, the company said. Accessibility settings in the app also allow riders to let their drivers know if they require a service animal or another accommodation.
Health care providers and systems as well as disability service organizations using Uber Health will continue to be able to book rides on behalf of individuals with disabilities if they prefer and coordinators and riders can track usage.
A separate offering known as Uber Caregiver allows individuals with disabilities to designate a caregiver who can arrange, pay for and monitor rides for them.
Even as Uber continues to introduce new options to serve people with disabilities, the company has faced federal scrutiny for its treatment of this population. The U.S. Department of Justice sued Uber last September alleging that the company knowingly “fails to prevent and remedy” disability discrimination throughout its service in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
