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Accessibility using Uber

Our technology and the transportation provided by drivers has transformed mobility for many people with disabilities, and we’re committed to continuing to develop technologies that support everyone’s ability to easily move around their communities.

Accessibility Guide

To help our partner drivers exercise the commitment to include all people in our community, we created this Accessibility Guide with tips on how to better relate to users who are people with disabilities.

Product features for deaf or hard of hearing drivers

Additionally, we partnered with the Communication Service for the Deaf, the largest deaf-led nonprofit in the United States, to expand opportunities for deaf men and women. We’ve also worked with members of the deaf community, including the National Association of the Deaf and Telecommunications for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (TDI), to design and implement a series of fully optional product capabilities to improve the driver experience, including these:

Enabling these features in the app

Drivers can self-identify as deaf or hard of hearing in the Driver app, which unlocks the following features for drivers and their riders.

Flashing trip request

The Uber Driver app signals a new trip request with a flashing light and an audio notification. This makes it easier for drivers to notice when there’s a new opportunity to give a ride and make some money.

Text-only messaging, rather than calling

The ability to call a deaf or hard of hearing driver is turned off for the rider. Instead, riders are directed to message their driver if they need to communicate with them. Drivers who use this setting are less likely to have rides canceled after a failed phone call.

A prompt for the rider’s destination

The app adds an extra prompt for riders to enter their destination and lets them know their driver is deaf or hard of hearing. Once a driver with this setting turned on accepts a ride, the rider will see a prominent screen asking for their destination. Uber can then provide turn-by-turn directions once the ride begins.

To learn more about these features, watch this video.

We’re here to help

Help and support

Visit our Help Center to find out more information about your Uber account, to browse frequently asked questions, or to leave feedback on a recent trip.

Driver resources

Check out our resources for drivers if you’re interested in learning more about transporting riders with disabilities.