As part of its ongoing efforts to make transportation more inclusive and accessible for riders with disabilities, Uber has introduced new features aimed at improving the experience for those with mobility, hearing, and vision impairments, ensuring their transportation needs are met with greater independence and safety. Developed in collaboration with disability advocates and experts, these updates offer a more dependable and personalized service for riders, while also enhancing communication between riders and drivers.
One of the key advancements includes allowing riders to self-identify their accessibility needs within the app. Riders who are deaf, hard of hearing, blind, or have low vision can now disclose their disability, helping drivers to better understand and accommodate their needs. Communication preferences can also be customized, with riders able to choose how they prefer to interact with drivers, whether via in-app chat or phone calls. These features create a more seamless interaction from the moment a trip is accepted through to pickup and drop-off.
For riders with mobility challenges, Uber continues to expand the availability of Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles (WAVs), ensuring that individuals who use wheelchairs have access to reliable transportation.
"As a disabled person, Uber comes in handy with WAV from time to time. I’m currently having to use it now to get to my transplant appointment," shared X user RealPhilly99. This expansion has proven to be a vital resource for many riders, offering those with mobility challenges reliable and accessible transportation options through Uber’s Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles (WAVs).
According to a 2022 Travel Behaviour and Society report, blind or low-vision individuals are the highest rideshare users among people with disabilities, with 7.1% taking at least one rideshare trip in the previous month.
The American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (AAPM&R) reports that an estimated 5.5 million adult Americans (2.3% of the population) use a wheelchair for mobility assistance.