Uber Takes Steps to Become Inclusive
Uber added some new features to its app at the end of February to make the app easier for those with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities to use, according to Disability Scoop.
The ride share service has faced criticism since the U.S. Department of Justice sued the company in September 2025 for allegedly remedying and preventing disability discrimination. While the company has not directly addressed the lawsuit, it has added features to the app to make it more inclusive.
Before the new features were added, providers could schedule and book rides through Uber Health for individuals with disabilities. With the new self-booking option, however, disability service providers can set a budget and other guidelines such as a limit on the number of rides, the trip distance or the types of destinations. Then people with disabilities who use the app can book and manage rides themselves.
Staff of health care providers and systems as well as disability service organizations using Uber Health should be aware that they will continue to be able to book rides on behalf of individuals with disabilities and will also be allowed to track rider use.
A second new offering known as Uber Caregiver allows individuals with disabilities to designate a caregiver who can arrange, pay for, and monitor rides for them.
In addition to the offerings, the accessibility settings within the Uber app have also been improved to make it easier to navigate the app. For example, individuals with disabilities can opt into “simple mode” on the Uber app, which offers larger text and fewer buttons. Accessibility settings in the app also allow riders to let their drivers know if they require a service animal or another accommodation.
While Uber still has a long way to go in ensuring that riders with disabilities are treated fairly, these changes and improvements made to the app are a step in a positive direction.