Access and empowerment for people of all abilities
Editor’s note: Tony Coelho served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1979 to 1989. He was an author of the Americans With Disabilities Act and is the author of today’s post.
The 2015 United Nations’ International Day of Persons with Disabilities theme is ‘Inclusion Matters: Access and Empowerment for people of all abilities.’ Their focus on ability, and not DISability, is key, and captures Uber’s approach to accessibility. Through their technology, Uber reduces inequalities and creates more opportunities for people with disabilities, from elite athletes like Matt, to grad students like Danielle and veterans like Bob.
People with disabilities experience an unemployment rate of 10.5% in the United States — more than double the national unemployment rate. Uber and others are changing this by creating accessible work opportunities. By making it possible for people to drive their own cars to earn a living, Uber empowers people with physical disabilities, like Veteran amputees who can use modified vehicles to earn income. And earlier this year, Uber also released features in its driver app specifically designed for deaf and hard-of-hearing drivers. Groups like Enabled Employment in Australia have worked with the company to raise awareness of these earning opportunities among the disabled community, making it a widely-known option.
Uber’s technology has also expanded access to a reliable transportation alternative for riders with disabilities around the world, from the 65 million people worldwide with epilepsy to the 285 million people worldwide who are blind or have low vision and use the Uber app via VoiceOver iOS. This is a prime example of how technology and innovation can not only improve the everyday lives of people with disabilities, but also challenges common perceptions and discrimination against people with disabilities.
The National Federation of the Blind’s motto includes “live the life you want.” For people with disabilities, transportation is one of the greatest barriers to doing so. From landing the dream job or dream date, to executing the everyday like doctor’s appointments or grocery shopping, the ability to get there is key. Given that my disability prevents me from driving myself, I appreciate the mobility, freedom and self-reliance Uber’s technology has enabled for people around the world unable to drive themselves.
Empowerment. Independence. Freedom. There is a sense of pride that comes with being an equal citizen, being able to earn a living and achieving independence. Uber’s commitment to accessibility and proactive engagement of the accessibility community — from a roundtable of global accessibility leaders to tackle their most complex service issues to renowned accessible technology consultants — is evident in the Uber experience.
As the world celebrates ability on the UN’s International Day of Persons with Disabilities, technology and innovation will be key to further reducing discrimination and creating opportunity, enabling people with disabilities to fully participate in society. As Woody Allen said in 1977, “Showing up is eighty percent of life.” Uber seems to be doing what they can to get you there.
