New partnership helps Aussies with disability get the jab
19 June 2021 at 8:00 am
“This innovative program will not only directly benefit people with disability but those who provide them support and the community at large”
Uber is making it easier for the disability community to get vaccinated, offering 10,000 free rides to and from vaccination appointments for people with disability.
The ridesharing giant is teaming up with Able Australia for this pilot program, which will provide 2,500 people with disability across Australia with four free rides.
People may also be accompanied by their carers – from 12 disability service providers including Able Australia, Nextt, Mind Australia and Vision Australia – and will be able to claim a free ride for both their first and second dose.
Uber general manager Dom Taylor said a lack of transport options shouldn’t be a barrier to getting the jab.
He said businesses had a role to play in helping people get through the pandemic and Uber was no exception.
“We know that some people with disability are at a higher risk of COVID complications and at the same time, there are mobility challenges that people with a disability face when it comes to vaccine access,” Taylor said.
“We want to play a role in helping more people with disabilities get access to the vaccine and believe that by leveraging our platform, which already helps millions of Australians get from A to B easily and at the push of a button, we can help make a difference.”
Able Australia CEO Kate MacRae said she welcomed the partnership with Uber.
She said it was clear that more needs to be done to help people with disability access vaccines safely and reliably.
“We were thrilled when Uber came to the table to offer these trips and to make sure that cost wasn’t a barrier to accessing vaccines for thousands of Australians,” MacRae said.
“This innovative program will not only directly benefit people with disability but those who provide them support and the community at large. It is a great example of what is possible when communities come together.”
The partnership has also been welcomed by Bruce Maguire, a person who lives with disability.
He said the disability community often relied on point-to-point transport like Uber.
“This partnership means people will be able to avoid the issue of navigating locations and transport routes they may be unfamiliar with and make getting to and from their vaccinations a less stressful experience,” Maguire said.
You can read more about the program here.
