Home News Uber introduces features for Hearing-Impaired Drivers

Uber introduces features for Hearing-Impaired Drivers

Petaling Jaya (29 September 2016) — We’re always working to make the Uber experience as hassle-free as possible for our riders and driver partners. Earlier this year, we rolled out new product features that were designed to uplift the experience of driving on the Uber platform for deaf or hard of hearing partners.

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In conjunction with International Week of the Deaf, Uber Malaysia introduced Projek: Bebas Bergerak today. We are working with the Malaysian Federation of the Deaf (MFD) through Projek: Bebas Bergerak to reach out to those who might be interested in driving on the Uber platform, and organising special training sessions specifically for deaf and hard of hearing partners once a month, at the Partner Support Center. For these sessions, the MFD assisted in crafting a customised training deck for hard of hearing members.

For the first batch of driver partners as well, the service fee will be waived in the first month as well to start them off on their journey on the Uber platform.

 

What’s New

Deaf or hard-of-hearing driver partners who are interested in these features only need to sign into their account and turn them on:

  • The Uber Partner app now signals a new trip request with a flashing light in addition to the existing audio notification

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  • The option to call a deaf or hard-of-hearing driver is turned off; riders are instead given only the ability to text if they need to provide special instructions for pickup

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  • The app adds an extra prompt for riders to enter their destination and lets them know their driver is deaf or hard of hearing

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“The MFD supports Projek: Bebas Bergerak by Uber to promote increased work opportunities for deaf and hard-of-hearing drivers. The enhancements to the mobile app to improve communications between drivers and passengers, regardless of whether they are hearing or deaf lends towards an improved experience for deaf and hard of hearing partners driving on the Uber platform.”

Mohamad Sazali Shaari, President, Malaysian Federation for the Deaf

 

The design process of the app features started from extensive conversations with our deaf and hard-of-hearing partners, which helped identify frustrating interactions in the driving experience.

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Attributed to Kenny Choong, General Manager – Expansion, Uber Malaysia

“At the end of the day, everyone just wants to have an opportunity to provide for themselves, their loved ones, and to be a productive member of society. Deaf partner drivers are inspiring examples of resilience and tenacity, in this regard. I’m proud that Uber’s technology for deaf partner drivers widens opportunities for even more Malaysians to ‘Press a button and earn money’ through Projek: Bebas Bergerak. This is a great example of Uber is able to pioneer the kind of technology that solves real-world problems with real people in mind.”

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