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USA Today
2 days ago
- Automotive
- USA Today
Uber is trying to help older Americans' transportation troubles. Will it work?
Uber is trying to help older Americans' transportation troubles. Will it work? Show Caption Hide Caption Bradley Cooper new documentary sheds light on caregiving crisis A new documentary, "Caregiving," executive produced by Oscar-nominated actor Bradley Cooper, will explore the hidden struggles of caregivers. unbranded - Entertainment Yvette Pegues, 38, lives in a wheelchair full time and travels often for work. Recently, on her way to a conference in Miami, she said she ordered a wheelchair-accessible ride and spent nearly $100 to go 12 miles. Pegues, a board member for disability advocacy group The Arc, said she's had plenty of unfortunate rideshare interactions. She's experienced canceled rides, rude drivers and high prices for extra assistance. 'The worst part, honestly, is once I've actually gotten an Uber ride, the driver doesn't always want to assist," she said. Even if she can "swing into the car" herself, she said, she still needs help from the driver to get her chair in the trunk or the back seat. More: The caregiving crisis is real. USA TODAY wants to hear from you about how to solve it. "I'm really, kind of, at their mercy," Pegues said. Drivers for UberWAV, who offer wheelchair-accessible rides, must complete a third party certification course on how to help riders enter and exit a vehicle, according to the company. Uber can deactivate the account of any driver who denies transportation to a rider because of their age or disability. And Uber has made strides in recent years to support riders in other ways, including the ability to report safety concerns in real-time and supporting domestic violence survivors during COVID-19. On June 4, Uber launched its latest accessibility feature, senior accounts, nationwide. These accounts are part of Uber's family profiles and offer older adults a more streamlined version of the app with larger text, fewer steps and easy-to-follow screens. Their loved ones can help them order a ride and get real-time updates during the senior's journey, too. But while the company's efforts to support diverse riders looks good on paper, experts in the aging and disability worlds aren't sure Uber has the capability to meet all riders where they are without help. Justin Boogaard, co-founder and CEO of GoGoGrandparent, a third-party platform that helps older adults access rideshare apps, food delivery other smartphone services, said it's great to see companies like Uber and Lyft investing in accessibility features for seniors and those with disabilities. But he said most of the clients his company works with need more assistance than what an app redesign can offer. When his clients schedule an Uber ride, Boogaard said, they have difficulty communicating with the driver, confirming their ride and connecting their payment plan − tasks that need an over-the-shoulder assist. And because these clients often don't have alternatives, a canceled ride is a big deal. 'With older adults, in particular, reliability is more important than anything else. It's more important than convenience,' Boogaard said. The worst thing that can happen, he said, is a driver shows up and refuses to help or drives off without even trying to help. That's where GoGoGrandparent comes in, by booking rides for older Americans and communicating the rider's needs to the driver. If the driver isn't comfortable helping with a wheelchair or other accommodations, Boogaard said, GoGoGrandparent can easily redirect the request to another driver who is willing to help. 'An older adult is happy to wait 15 minutes if the driver that shows up is going to load their walker for them," he said. Accessibility 'is about choice,' Uber rep says Older adults often face transportation barriers that can further exacerbate health issues and loneliness. An estimated 18.6 million Americans self-reported travel-limiting disabilities, according to the U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics' 2022 National Household Travel Survey. Nearly 8 million of those respondents were 65 and older, and most of them reported health problems as the top reason for taking fewer trips. A 2019 study by University of Southern California, in which 150 patients 60 and older were given three months of free and unlimited Lyft rides, found 12% of the rides were used for medical appointments. Participants in the study also used Lyft to run errands, to make social visits and to get to fitness classes and other entertainment events. The study found 90% of participants reported an increase in quality of life. More: A woman's retirement crisis: Between caregiving and gender wage gap, can they catch up? Transportation is key to independence, and when older adults lose the ability to drive that's often the beginning of the end of their autonomy, said Seth Sternberg, CEO and co-founder of Honor, an in-home care provider. Uber's senior accounts are built for individuals living independently and who don't need as much assistance as those trying to access a wheelchair accessible vehicle, or those connected to a caregiver account. With senior accounts, older adults can save frequent destinations and loved ones can follow along in the app during rides to get real-time updates on each trip. Older adults who aren't part of a family profile can turn on "simple mode," found in the accessibility settings, to use the more streamlined version of the app. Uber's family profiles have accounts for teens and caregivers, too. Family organizers can invite their loved ones to join their account through the app. The company said it will gather feedback from the new senior accounts to inform ongoing work on how to improve user experience for older adults and those with disabilities. 'Senior accounts and Simple mode represent an important milestone in Uber's ongoing commitment to accessible transportation,' said Ashu Manohar, director of product management at Uber. 'These features reflect our dedication to designing technology that meets people where they are and supports mobility at every stage of life.' For some riders, Uber's accessibility features make a world of difference. Three times a week, Michael Cuvilje orders an Uber to his home in New York City to take his mother to her dialysis. His mother, 93-year-old Bettye Cuvilje, has dementia, kidney disease and heart failure. She lives with Cuvilje and his wife and sister. "I do own a vehicle, but I find it difficult to get her in and out because some days she's in, like, a lot of pain," he said. With Uber's wheelchair accessible vehicle feature, he said, "I can just roll her into the back of the vehicle, strap her in and it makes it much more convenient that way.' Wheelchair accessible vehicles are much easier to access in New York than in other areas of the country, Pegues said. Cuvilje always joins his mother for her Uber rides, since she needs assistance getting in and out of the vehicle and into her appointments. He hasn't used the family profile or senior account feature yet, but said he's interested, especially since his sister is 63 and also has difficulty getting around. He said he's in the process of getting her set up on the app. 'We really believe that accessibility for users is about choice," said Briana Gilmore, Uber's head of public policy, accessibility, and underserved communities. Gilmore said she's excited to share the senior account feature with her mom, and wishes she'd had more options when she was a caregiver for her father. 'Many of us built this with our loved ones in mind that we've been caregivers for," Gilmore said. Transportation troubles are larger than rideshare It's a "big step in the right direction," Sternberg said. But when riders have more specialized needs, like help getting in and out of a wheelchair, "it's just a completely different product" than what traditional rideshare companies are made for. And since Uber contracts its drivers, Boogaard said, it's difficult to control how individual interactions play out. 'You kind of have to ask yourself, where does one service end a different service begin?" Sternberg said. The onus to transport older Americans and people with disabilities isn't totally on rideshare companies like Uber. Perhaps rideshare apps just aren't the best products for those users, Sternberg said, and companies that do specialize in care for individuals with disabilities should help solve the transportation barrier. In some cities, wheelchair accessible vehicles are limited or aren't available at all. Pegues said she's used medical transport services before, but that can cost hundreds of dollars. And people with disabilities aren't all old, she said. It's about time the country's transportation infrastructure and services caught up "so that we can become more independent." 'I think in order to solve that problem, that's where you really start needing the help − especially for older adults that are at the poverty line − you really start needing the help of insurance companies or government support to make those economics work," Boogaard said. It's also about individuals being kind, Sternberg said. And that helps everyone, not just older Americans or those with disabilities. In an ideal world, Sternberg said, 'I can actually trust this driver who is coming to pick me up to be courteous.' Madeline Mitchell's role covering women and the caregiving economy at USA TODAY is supported by a partnership with Pivotal Ventures and Journalism Funding Partners. Funders do not provide editorial input. Reach Madeline at memitchell@ and @maddiemitch_ on X.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Medicaid cuts threaten the rights and lives of North Dakotans with disabilities
(Photo via Getty Images) As executive director of The Arc of North Dakota, I've witnessed firsthand how essential Medicaid-funded services empower individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live independently and engage fully in their communities. But today, that independence is under serious threat. On Thursday, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the 'One Big Beautiful Bill Act,' which includes sweeping cuts to Medicaid. For many in North Dakota, these cuts aren't abstract figures. They mean losing access to critical services that make daily life possible, like bathing, commuting to work, or attending community programs, robbing them of their place within the community. This threat to Medicaid is more than a fiscal issue. It's a rollback of decades of hard-won progress. In 1980, six North Dakota families partnered with The Arc to challenge the inhumane conditions at Grafton State School and San Haven State Hospital. That lawsuit led to the closure of San Haven, reduced the population at Grafton, and shifted our state toward more humane, community-based care. Now, that legacy is in danger of being erased. U.S. House Republicans push through massive tax and spending bill slashing Medicaid In addition to deep funding cuts, the legislation introduces policy changes that restrict access to care in multiple ways: Work requirements: The mandatory Medicaid work requirements start date has been moved to Dec. 31, 2026. Although people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are technically exempt, real-life implementation often fails to protect them. Many individuals with disabilities and their family caregivers get caught in confusing eligibility rules, risking wrongful loss of coverage. Increased costs: States can now charge Medicaid recipients up to $35 per service. Annual out-of-pocket costs could shoot up even for those near the poverty line, making necessary care unaffordable for many. Frequent eligibility checks: Medicaid eligibility will be reviewed every six months instead of annually. For people with limited access to technology or help navigating paperwork, this change drastically increases the risk of losing coverage due to missed notices or simple errors. Limits on provider taxes: New federal restrictions on provider taxes limit how states fund their Medicaid programs. This could reduce available dollars for crucial services, including supported employment, in-home care, and day programs. These services allow individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live and thrive in their communities. While it's difficult to pinpoint precisely how many North Dakotans with intellectual and developmental disabilities will be affected, the overall impact is clear: Medicaid is the backbone of their support system. Even if some individuals are exempt from specific requirements, the broader funding cuts and program restrictions will limit access, increase delays, and force many to go without the help they need. Families are already facing long waitlists and strained service systems. These cuts will only make things worse. When services disappear, people don't just 'fall through the cracks'; they face real, lasting harm. Consider one individual with intellectual and developmental disabilities who's waited months for a supported employment slot. Without a job coach, they remain unemployed, despite being ready and eager to work. Medicaid cuts push that opportunity further out of reach for them and hundreds of others like them. And the alternative? Institutional care may sound like a backup plan, but it isolates people, limits opportunities, and costs the public far more. Supporting people in their communities is the right and the fiscally responsible choice. At The Arc, we believe people with disabilities deserve the supports they need to live full, meaningful lives. But today, families and providers are navigating a maze of shifting rules, disappearing services, and uncertain futures. The confusion alone makes it harder to get help when needed most. To pursue this direction is to court the resurgence of systems we consciously moved beyond. Our collective experience, however, and the resources now at our disposal, equip us to forge substantive improvements rather than reenact previous failings. North Dakotans of all abilities deserve more than just survival. They deserve a future built on dignity, inclusion, and respect.
IOL News
20-05-2025
- Automotive
- IOL News
Nissan's global restructuring raises concerns over South Africa's automotive future
As Nissan endeavors to streamline operations by reducing its global workforce by 20 000 on top of last year's 9 000 job cuts, concerns mount about the potential closure of its Rosslyn Plant, strategically located outside Pretoria. Image: File: Timothy Bernard/Independent Newspapers Banele Ginidza Nissan's recent global restructuring initiative, known as Re:Nissan, has sparked widespread speculation about its far-reaching effects on South Africa's automotive industry. The announcement comes amid a wave of employment cuts and factory closures, following the company's staggering R82.2 billion revenue loss for the fiscal year 2024. As Nissan endeavors to streamline operations by reducing its global workforce by 20 000 on top of last year's 9 000 job cuts, concerns mount about the potential closure of its Rosslyn Plant, strategically located outside Pretoria. The Re:Nissan strategy, also dubbed 'The Arc,' was unveiled last year as part of a broader plan to consolidate its 17 factories down to 10 by 2027, while also modifying its research and development programmes. Under the guidance of CEO Ivan Espinosa, the objective is to claw back R61 trillion in fixed and variable costs by establishing a more efficient operating framework for profitability by fiscal year 2026. Espinosa's candid assessment highlighted the high cost structure and volatile global market conditions that necessitate these changes. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ 'The reality is clear. We have a very high cost structure. To complicate matters further, the global market environment is volatile and unpredictable, making planning and investment increasingly challenging,' Espinosa said in a statement on Nissan Japan's strategy. Among the factories earmarked for closure are the Oppama and Shonan facilities in Japan, alongside additional plants in Mexico, India, and Argentina. With the prospect of closing the Rosslyn Plant, which has been operational since 1966, the implications for the local job market are worrying, particularly following an initial cut of 400 positions in 2023 stemming from the cessation of NP200 production. The Motor Industry Staff Association (MISA) on Monday said the announcement had not yet filtered through to its membership. "MISA has not received notifications of possible restructuring in accordance with the provisions of the Labour Relation Act from Nissan, although as indicated, they might come from different dealership groups as was the case with Volvo Cars South Africa," MISA said in response to enquiries. In contrast, Nissan's Re:Nissan strategy arguably offers a silver lining for South Africa's automotive sector, as evidenced by a recent R3bn investment aimed at modernising the Rosslyn Plant for new Nissan Navara model production. This investment is projected to bolster capacity by 30 000 units per year and create approximately 400 new jobs, suggesting that despite potential setbacks, there was scope for growth and opportunity in the market. The Re:Nissan plan also includes the introduction of new passenger vehicles, emphasising a shift from traditional bakkies to more popular segments like electric vehicles (EVs) and SUVs to the South African market. This strategic pivot could bolster Nissan's competitiveness and market share, with ambitions to reach over 15% in South Africa, aided by government incentives such as the Automotive Production and Development Programme. Industry experts assert that while Nissan's future plans signal a period of investment and growth, the anticipated closure of the Rosslyn Plant could still be devastating for its workforce, especially in light of preceding layoffs. In 2022, the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (Numsa) picketed outside the Japanese Embassy in Pretoria over, in part, Nissan South Africa's failure to engage the union on Nissan EV Ambition 2030 Vision and the lack of transparency on the future of the South African Plant amidst challenges posed by 4th Industrial revolution. Numsa demanded that Nissan follow the principles of a Just Transition as some workers were likely to be displaced because the new technology is not labour intensive. BUSINESS REPORT
Filipino Times
16-04-2025
- Automotive
- Filipino Times
Al Masaood Automobiles rolls out the All-New Nissan Magnite across its showrooms
Al Masaood Automobiles has officially introduced the all-new Nissan Magnite across its showrooms in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and the Western Region, following its recent regional debut. Making its first appearance in the capital, the Magnite expands Al Masaood Automobiles' Nissan SUV segment, reinforcing the brand's commitment to customer-centric innovation and delivering value. The launch represents a new milestone for Al Masaood Automobiles and the local SUV segment. As a completely new entrant in the compact SUV category, the Nissan Magnite opens doors to a segment of drivers in Abu Dhabi who seek a smart and modern, SUV that doesn't compromise on value, technology, or safety. Elevating urban mobility, the Magnite is purpose-built for today's forward-thinking drivers those who prioritise intelligent technology, enhanced safety, compact convenience, and exceptional value. Its dynamic design sports a striking grille, high ground clearance, and diamond-cut alloy wheels that highlight its sporty appeal. The cabin offers a seamless blend of style and functionality, including a fully digital 7-inch instrument cluster and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system equipped with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto ensuring a connected, intuitive driving experience at every turn. Under the hood, the all-new Magnite is powered by a turbocharged 1.0-litre engine that delivers 100 PS of power and 152Nm of torque, combining efficiency with exhilarating performance. Safety remains paramount with advanced features such as the Around-View Monitor, ABS & VDC, Auto Headlamps, and comprehensive airbag coverage, ensuring peace of mind on every journey. Bachir Gemayel, Sales and Marketing Director at Al Masaood Automobiles, said: 'At Al Masaood Automobiles, our commitment to exceeding customer expectations continues to guide every decision we make. The arrival of the all-new Nissan Magnite reflects our commitment to bringing our customers mobility solutions that seamlessly blend smart design, the latest technologies and features, and trusted safety, hence adding value to their lives. With the Magnite, Al Masaood Automobiles contributes to the expansion of the Nissan SUV lineup to better reflect the diverse lifestyles and ambitions of our community. As always, we remain dedicated to delivering memorable experiences that go beyond the vehicle itself, and extend throughout the full ownership journey of our customers. These relations are built on trust, understanding, and a deep appreciation for what our customers truly value in their daily drives.' The arrival of this latest model aligns with Nissan's global business transformation strategy, 'The Arc', and presents Japanese engineering excellence to the regional compact SUV segment. As the third vehicle under this blueprint and a key pillar alongside the iconic Patrol and popular X-Trail, this model not only reinforces Nissan's leadership in the SUV segment, with plans to expand the lineup by 2026, but also exemplifies Al Masaood Automobiles' commitment to deliver innovative, quality vehicles that make a bold statement on the road and cater to diverse customer needs. The Magnite is available in a variety of trims and comes in five bold colour options, including stylish dual-tone combinations, giving customers the freedom to choose a version that best fits their personality and lifestyle. To find out more about the latest model, customers can explore showrooms across Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and the Western Region or visit the website:
Al Bawaba
15-04-2025
- Automotive
- Al Bawaba
Al Masaood Automobiles Rolls Out the All-New Nissan Magnite Across its Showrooms
Al Masaood Automobiles has officially introduced the all-new Nissan Magnite across its showrooms in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and the Western Region, following its recent regional debut. Making its first appearance in the capital, the Magnite expands Al Masaood Automobiles' Nissan SUV segment, reinforcing the brand's commitment to customer-centric innovation and delivering value. The launch represents a new milestone for Al Masaood Automobiles and the local SUV segment. As a completely new entrant in the compact SUV category, the Nissan Magnite opens doors to a segment of drivers in Abu Dhabi who seek a smart and modern, SUV that doesn't compromise on value, technology, or urban mobility, the Magnite is purpose-built for today's forward-thinking drivers those who prioritise intelligent technology, enhanced safety, compact convenience, and exceptional value. Its dynamic design sports a striking grille, high ground clearance, and diamond-cut alloy wheels that highlight its sporty appeal. The cabin offers a seamless blend of style and functionality, including a fully digital 7-inch instrument cluster and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system equipped with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto ensuring a connected, intuitive driving experience at every the hood, the all-new Magnite is powered by a turbocharged 1.0-litre engine that delivers 100 PS of power and 152Nm of torque, combining efficiency with exhilarating performance. Safety remains paramount with advanced features such as the Around-View Monitor, ABS & VDC, Auto Headlamps, and comprehensive airbag coverage, ensuring peace of mind on every Gemayel, Sales and Marketing Director at Al Masaood Automobiles, said: 'At Al Masaood Automobiles, our commitment to exceeding customer expectations continues to guide every decision we make. The arrival of the all-new Nissan Magnite reflects our commitment to bringing our customers mobility solutions that seamlessly blend smart design, the latest technologies and features, and trusted safety, hence adding value to their lives. With the Magnite, Al Masaood Automobiles contributes to the expansion of the Nissan SUV lineup to better reflect the diverse lifestyles and ambitions of our community. As always, we remain dedicated to delivering memorable experiences that go beyond the vehicle itself, and extend throughout the full ownership journey of our customers. These relations are built on trust, understanding, and a deep appreciation for what our customers truly value in their daily drives.' The arrival of this latest model aligns with Nissan's global business transformation strategy, 'The Arc', and presents Japanese engineering excellence to the regional compact SUV segment. As the third vehicle under this blueprint and a key pillar alongside the iconic Patrol and popular X-Trail, this model not only reinforces Nissan's leadership in the SUV segment, with plans to expand the lineup by 2026, but also exemplifies Al Masaood Automobiles' commitment to deliver innovative, quality vehicles that make a bold statement on the road and cater to diverse customer Magnite is available in a variety of trims and comes in five bold colour options, including stylish dual-tone combinations, giving customers the freedom to choose a version that best fits their personality and lifestyle. To find out more about the latest model, customers can explore showrooms across Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and the Western Region or visit the website:
