Ridesharing services like Uber have made transportation more accessible and more convenient for people with disabilities. It’s now possible for people with disabilities to go wherever they want to, whenever they want to – at the touch of a button. In this short guide, let us take a look at the accessibility features available in the Uber ridesharing app.
Compatibility with VoiceOver and TalkBack
One of the most notable features of the Uber ridesharing app is that it’s fully compatible with VoiceOver and TalkBack. You can also use your voice to interact with the app. It makes it possible for people with visual and speech impairments to request a ride, cancel a ride, communicate with the driver, and pay for a ride with just a few taps on the screen.
Requesting a Ride Using a Screen Reader
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Single tap and then double tap the ‘Where To’ box.
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Enter the destination or choose one from the list of destinations suggested to you. Alternatively, you can simply say where you want to go.
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Your pickup location is automatically determined based on your current location. If you want to change it, you can tap on it and say where you want to go. You can also double tap it and edit the location manually.
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The next step involves choosing your ride. You can swipe through the options using three fingers. To choose a ride, you need to single tap and then double tap on it.
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Single tap and then double tap the ‘Confirm Pickup’ option to request a ride.
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Once you request a ride, you will receive a message confirming your ride request and your ride’s expected time of arrival.
Communicating with the Driver
If you have a visual impairment, you can talk to the driver in the following manner.
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Single tap and then double tap on the phone icon at the bottom of the screen.
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Single tap and then double tap the ‘Free Call’ option. Once you do, you will be connected to the driver.
If you have a hearing impairment, you can communicate with the driver by texting them.
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Single tap and then double tap the message icon at the bottom of the screen.
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Type your message or say it out loud and send it to the driver.
It should be noted that the Uber ridesharing app is designed to facilitate verbal as well as non-verbal communication. Even in the absence of audio, the app’s functionality will not be affected in any way.
Using a screen reader, you can also access a wide range of other options on the Uber ridesharing app. These include:
Your trips – Allows you to check out your ride history, submit feedback about your trip,
Payment – Allows you to add or update your credit card details or online payment service details.
Settings – Allows you to edit or update your contact information and add contacts with whom you want to share your location and ride details.
UberWAV for People with Limited Mobility
One of the best features of the Uber ridesharing app is the UberWAV, which allows you to choose a vehicle that can accommodate your disability.
WAV stands for wheelchair accessible vehicles. These are vehicles that are fitted with ramps or lifts, have wide doors, as well as a spacious interior that can accommodate foldable as well as non foldable wheelchairs.
Requesting an UberWAV ride is just as easy as requesting a regular ride.
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Open the app and tap the ‘Where To’ box to enter your destination or choose a destination from the options available.
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Tap the WAV option at the bottom of your screen to request a wheelchair accessible vehicle.
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Tap ‘Confirm WAV’.
Option to Share Your Ride Details
If your family members or friends are concerned about your safety every time you go out, you can share your ride details with them, so that they can track your movement and know you are safe.
Once your ride is assigned to you, you can double tap the ‘Share Status’ option and select the people on your contact list with whom you want to share your ride details. Once you do, your selected contacts will receive a link containing the driver’s name, photo, and information about their vehicle.
Your loved ones can also use the link to track your movement from your pick up location to your destination. The best part is that your loved ones do not have to download the Uber ridesharing app to be able to keep track of you.
Uber Ridesharing App – On-Demand Transportation Made Accessible
The Uber ridesharing app is designed to accommodate the needs of those with visual, speech, or hearing impairments as well as those with limited mobility. All you need is a smartphone to request a ride and go wherever you want to – without having to depend on anyone else.
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