Vision Australia

Vision Australia welcomes Uber’s decision to review how it supports people with disability who use the rideshare service

After learning that Uber had introduced an additional charge for people using the Uber Assist option, Vision Australia and Guide Dogs Australia met directly with Uber to express serious concerns that people with disability were being required to pay additional fees to access services designed to support their ability to be active and independent members of society.

Following these discussions, Uber has announced it will remove the additional Uber Assist fee and review the Uber Assist service to ensure it meets the needs of people with disability.

Uber has also committed to forming an Accessibility Advisory Panel to inform future decisions around services and issues impacting people with disability.

Chris Edwards, Vision Australia Chief Mission Officer, said the outcome was a positive one for the disability community.

“Uber were very receptive to our concerns, and we’re pleased they have removed the Uber Assist fee. This is a great example of our community and the organisations that support them working together to deliver a positive outcome,” Chris said.

“We look forward to continuing to work with Uber and the wider rideshare industry to ensure people who are blind or have low vision, or live with any other disability, have fair and equitable access to a vital mode of transport.”

Uber removes 'unacceptable' surcharge for disabled passengers Uber has reversed its decision to impose a $5 fee on passengers requiring extra assistance, after advocates and service providers labelled it discriminatory and a "disability tax".

Career Visions is now receiving expressions of interest for our 23 week paid work and learning program.

Are you looking for a job or transitioning between industries due to vision loss? Perhaps a parent returning to work? Career Visions could be the program for you!

It is a uniquely tailored program to support participants to develop job readiness skills to enter the workforce. Expressions of interest are open but they must close on Sunday 12 July.

To learn more, or to apply, visit https://va.org.au/4eSwsjr

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