I travel by the Uber almost every day. During their promotional offers I do opt for the Uber Go otherwise my preference is Uber Pool which is an economical
ride. When you travel by Uber Go then no worries for having co-riders as complete car is for us however in case of Uber Pool rides we always end up meeting
new people.
Since my childhood I am crazy for the cars and always used to occupy front seat when my dad used to drive. As a kid I was having no vision impairment.
However, even today with my total blindness condition, I prefer a front seat as it is dedicated for one person, this is again a matter of choice.
Many of you may have other preferences.
I choose this seat because of many past experiences with co-riders, whenever I get into cab I always inform driver that I am person with blindness so that
he can help me in occupying correct seat without disturbing other riders. Still many a times I banged on co-riders by mistake & later apologize, unfortunately
all these times after conveying my apologies the co-riders did not give any reaction which is really disturbing experiences for me all the time.
For a blind co-rider it is good to show your presence by simply greeting them or making some random noise however people don’t follow these very simple
gestures. After all it is an issue of awareness & courtesy. So to avoid all these unpleasant experiences, I always prefer front seat but had to settle
down with back cabin at times.
Friends, but first time my last week’s Friday experience with uber Pool was so different & pleasant. I was returning from my work to home in the evening.
Like always I booked an Uber cab from Bandra reclamation, my colleagues always accompany me till I get into the cab. As per the regular practice they
saw an empty front seat & asked me to open the front door. I followed their instructions & got into the cab by confirming my name with the Uber driver.
While getting into the cab I always hold my white cane. I sat in the car & wore the seat belt. Within few seconds I heard a warm greeting as "Hi Sai,
this is Harvinder, I am your co-rider & I am traveling with my daughter". I got a pleasant surprise, this had never happened. I happily conveyed my greetings
to him & asked "How old is she?” he replied "She is 11". We continued this chat for couple of minutes & then he started talking to his daughter. During
this small interaction we shared our work details & spoke on traffic in Mumbai. I felt so overwhelming. I wish to have these kinds of sensible co-riders
for all my future Uber rides. While getting down from the cab Mr. Harvinder again greeted me & I reciprocated the same,
Oh! What a great experience it was!!!
Persons with vision impairment always wish to know about the surroundings, nearby people, places and objects. As we cannot see we are depend on the audio
clues, discussions and dialogs. We love interacting. However many times people run away from us, or give us pathway very quietly or just ignore us. We
do get helping hands many times but social interaction is missing for us.
We have as many interests as you do. We love gestures like introduction by the persons which makes us more comfortable & inclusive. Instead of isolation
I am happy to be treated as amongst you, this boosts my confidence & I feel socialized. Sometimes people talk to us in a loud voice but please understand
that I just cannot see but I can hear clearly. People also make a big mistake of talking to the blind person indirectly through their friends or someone
who accompanies them but it is always recommended to initiate the dialog with us directly. Talk to me so that we will understand each other better.
So, next time you meet ‘Sai’ do mention your name or say hello each time we meet, especially new acquaintances, so that the sound of your voice will be
familiar and recognizable to me. Last week’s Uber pull experience was amazing hence thought to write this as my blog post. I also enjoy the same things
you do.
ride. When you travel by Uber Go then no worries for having co-riders as complete car is for us however in case of Uber Pool rides we always end up meeting
new people.
Since my childhood I am crazy for the cars and always used to occupy front seat when my dad used to drive. As a kid I was having no vision impairment.
However, even today with my total blindness condition, I prefer a front seat as it is dedicated for one person, this is again a matter of choice.
Many of you may have other preferences.
I choose this seat because of many past experiences with co-riders, whenever I get into cab I always inform driver that I am person with blindness so that
he can help me in occupying correct seat without disturbing other riders. Still many a times I banged on co-riders by mistake & later apologize, unfortunately
all these times after conveying my apologies the co-riders did not give any reaction which is really disturbing experiences for me all the time.
For a blind co-rider it is good to show your presence by simply greeting them or making some random noise however people don’t follow these very simple
gestures. After all it is an issue of awareness & courtesy. So to avoid all these unpleasant experiences, I always prefer front seat but had to settle
down with back cabin at times.
Friends, but first time my last week’s Friday experience with uber Pool was so different & pleasant. I was returning from my work to home in the evening.
Like always I booked an Uber cab from Bandra reclamation, my colleagues always accompany me till I get into the cab. As per the regular practice they
saw an empty front seat & asked me to open the front door. I followed their instructions & got into the cab by confirming my name with the Uber driver.
While getting into the cab I always hold my white cane. I sat in the car & wore the seat belt. Within few seconds I heard a warm greeting as "Hi Sai,
this is Harvinder, I am your co-rider & I am traveling with my daughter". I got a pleasant surprise, this had never happened. I happily conveyed my greetings
to him & asked "How old is she?” he replied "She is 11". We continued this chat for couple of minutes & then he started talking to his daughter. During
this small interaction we shared our work details & spoke on traffic in Mumbai. I felt so overwhelming. I wish to have these kinds of sensible co-riders
for all my future Uber rides. While getting down from the cab Mr. Harvinder again greeted me & I reciprocated the same,
Oh! What a great experience it was!!!
Persons with vision impairment always wish to know about the surroundings, nearby people, places and objects. As we cannot see we are depend on the audio
clues, discussions and dialogs. We love interacting. However many times people run away from us, or give us pathway very quietly or just ignore us. We
do get helping hands many times but social interaction is missing for us.
We have as many interests as you do. We love gestures like introduction by the persons which makes us more comfortable & inclusive. Instead of isolation
I am happy to be treated as amongst you, this boosts my confidence & I feel socialized. Sometimes people talk to us in a loud voice but please understand
that I just cannot see but I can hear clearly. People also make a big mistake of talking to the blind person indirectly through their friends or someone
who accompanies them but it is always recommended to initiate the dialog with us directly. Talk to me so that we will understand each other better.
So, next time you meet ‘Sai’ do mention your name or say hello each time we meet, especially new acquaintances, so that the sound of your voice will be
familiar and recognizable to me. Last week’s Uber pull experience was amazing hence thought to write this as my blog post. I also enjoy the same things
you do.