Uber is striving to enhance mobility and independence for millions of people with disabilities worldwide, leveraging its technology to provide increased access to transportation, earning opportunities, and basic needs such as food and groceries. The company's aim is to create a platform that is accessible to users of all abilities and further promote inclusion within communities.

On Global Accessibility Awareness Day, Uber announced the addition of new features and improvements in its app to bolster accessibility. Among these enhancements are self-identification options for deaf and hard-of-hearing couriers. Uber has already provided economic opportunities for thousands of such individuals globally, and these new features are designed to facilitate easier delivery processes and communication with customers.

The app will now alert couriers of new delivery requests through flashing lights or vibrations, along with an audio notification. Upon acceptance of a delivery by a courier, the customer will be informed if the courier is deaf or hard-of-hearing, thereby fostering improved communication. Couriers also have the option to set their communication preferences to receive only in-app messages from customers.

These accessibility features have been made more customizable for drivers and couriers, allowing them to select which features are automatically activated. These preferences can be adjusted at any time under App Settings → Accessibility.

In another development, Uber is launching the ability for riders in Austin to schedule their wheelchair-accessible vehicle (WAV) up to 90 days in advance. This feature offers reassurance ahead of job interviews or doctor’s appointments. All Uber WAV drivers have completed a certification course offered by a third party on assisting riders enter and exit the vehicle. The company plans on expanding this Reserve WAV feature to more cities in the coming months.

Addressing feedback from riders who found it difficult locating canceled trips in their history - particularly when they needed to report potential discrimination instances such as service animal denial - Uber has updated the rider trip history feature. Riders can now view all previous trips and canceled requests, including those canceled by a driver before the trip began. This is expected to facilitate easier reporting of service denial instances for investigation.

To further aid communication between riders and drivers, Uber's Auto Translations feature will automatically translate any in-app messages sent between users. Riders, customers, and drivers worldwide will automatically receive messages in their preferred language, with over 50 languages supported.

Uber has also been working closely with its design and platform teams to ensure compatibility with major assistive technologies, including VoiceOver on iOS and TalkBack on Android. Users can provide feedback about their experience using these features on the Uber app.

Uber's commitment to accessibility extends beyond a single day - it remains a priority throughout the year. The company believes that collective efforts can lead to a more inclusive world for everyone.