My Guide Dog, Brooke, and I Deserve Better – A Call for Change in Ride-Hailing Services

Hello, friends and supporters. My name is Hanif Kruger, and I am the manager at the Assistive Technology Centre at the South African National Council for the Blind. I’m proud to contribute to the Africa Conference/Career Expo, focusing on Disability, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

 

However, today I need to share a recent experience that left me feeling frustrated and vulnerable. Earlier today, Thursday, 30 March 2023, at 5:42 AM, I ordered an Uber to attend the second day of the Africa Conference/Career Expo in Johannesburg. As a 100% blind individual, I rely on my trained guide dog, Brooke, to navigate the world around me.

 

When the driver, Nuur, arrived, he refused to take us, claiming Brooke was a threat to his life. Despite explaining her role and training, he stubbornly refused to understand or accommodate us. What followed was an unsettling experience that left me standing alone in a dangerous location, where I was robbed just last year.

 

Nuur refused to cancel the trip and drove off, leaving me to frantically follow and plead for him to cancel the ride. After 5 minutes, he finally canceled but charged me R25.00, claiming I didn’t arrive on time. During the encounter, he also spoke to someone on the phone who encouraged his decision, stating that dogs are dirty.

 

This experience is not only about the money; it’s about the principle. Too many blind people and those with disabilities face similar challenges with ride-hailing services like Uber. Our concerns are often dismissed, and we’re left with empty promises.

 

It’s time for Uber_RSA and other ride-hailing services to wake up and address these issues. As a united community, we can push for change and hold these companies accountable. We deserve better policies and support, ensuring safe and reliable transportation for all, regardless of our abilities.

 

Brooke and I, along with many others in similar situations, refuse to be doormats. We urge you to share our story and join us in the fight for accessibility, understanding, and inclusion in ride-hailing services. Together, we can create a better, safer world for everyone.

 

#GuideDogsDeserveBetter #AccessibilityMatters #NoMoreEmptyPromises #DisabilityRights #RideHailingForAll

 

Update: Uber Threatens to Close My Account for Speaking Out – Our Fight Continues for Accessibility and Inclusion in Ride-Hailing Services

 

Hello again, friends and supporters. I have an unfortunate update to share with you all. After sharing my experience with Uber and raising awareness about the challenges faced by blind individuals and those with disabilities in using ride-hailing services, I received an official email from Uber. The company is now threatening to close my account just because I spoke out about the discrimination I faced.

 

This development not only adds insult to injury but also highlights the extent to which some companies are willing to go in order to silence those who advocate for change and accessibility. It is disheartening that instead of addressing the issue and taking steps towards inclusivity, Uber has chosen to retaliate against me for raising my voice.

 

I remain steadfast in my commitment to creating a world where everyone, regardless of their abilities, can access safe and reliable transportation. I refuse to be silenced or intimidated by Uber’s actions, and I call upon you all to join me in this fight for accessibility, understanding, and inclusion in ride-hailing services.

 

Please continue to share our story and support the cause. We must stand united against discrimination and demand better policies and support from Uber_RSA and other ride-hailing services. It’s time for them to wake up and recognize the needs and rights of all their users, including those with disabilities.

 

With your help, we can create a more inclusive world for everyone, one where people like Brooke and me are treated with the dignity and respect we deserve.

 

SIGN THE PETITION

Dear Friends, Supporters, and Advocates for Change,

 

We need your help. It’s time to stand together and demand equal access and fair treatment in Uber services for people with disabilities. Whether or not you are directly affected by these issues, your voice matters. It could be your friend, a family member, or even you who faces these challenges in the future. Signing this petition is a small but powerful act that can make a big difference.

 

Imagine being refused service, left stranded, and feeling vulnerable simply because you need a service animal to navigate the world. This is the reality faced by Hanif Kruger and countless others who rely on guide dogs or have other disabilities. It’s time to send a clear message to Uber and other ride-hailing services that this kind of treatment is unacceptable.

 

By signing this petition, you are joining a growing community of individuals who refuse to be silent in the face of injustice. Your signature adds strength to our cause and increases the likelihood that our recommendations will be implemented by Uber, leading to a safer and more inclusive service for all.

 

No one should have to face discrimination or be denied the essential services they need. We can create a more accessible and inclusive world for everyone, but we need your support. Please, take a moment to sign this petition and share it with your friends, family, and social networks. Together, we can make a difference.

 

#GuideDogsDeserveBetter #AccessibilityMatters #NoMoreEmptyPromises #DisabilityRights #RideHailingForAll

 

Sign the Petition: https://www.change.org/p/demand-equal-access-and-fair-treatment-in-uber-services-for-people-with-disabilities

 

Thank you for your support,

#UberAccountThreatened #GuideDogsDeserveBetter #AccessibilityMatters #NoMoreEmptyPromises #DisabilityRights #RideHailingForAll