Disability rights activists rally over Lyft’s lack of wheelchair accessibility

The rally stems from a lawsuit filled by Harriet Lowell in 2017 after she became disabled in her 40s and doesn't drive.

News 12 Staff

Aug 29, 2022, 9:25 PM

Updated 771 days ago

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Disability right activists gathered outside the federal courthouse in White Plains on Monday to protest Lyft's lack of wheelchair accessible vehicles.
The rally stems from a lawsuit filled by Harriet Lowell in 2017 after she became disabled in her 40s and doesn't drive.
"Lyft came here and they were not serving people like us. We didn't think that was right. So we sued them."” Lowell said.
"When new systems become evolved they generally aren't' evolved with people with disabilities in mind," added Jeremiah Frei-Pearson, Lowell's attorney. "Lyft and Uber have revolutionized transportation but they did it not thinking about people with disabilities. 
Activists told News 12 Lyft needs to be ADA compliant, while Lyft argues that the car ride service they provide is exempt from being ADA compliant.
"Lyft has a long-standing commitment to maintaining an inclusive and welcoming community, and we're constantly seeking solutions to address [wheelchair-accessible vehicles] supply challenges," a Lyft spokesperson said.
The judge said trial will begin on Jan. 17 and gave Lyft two weeks to decide if they want to go into mediations.