New York, NY – Local and national members of the disability community today announced that they have joined the “NY Needs Uber” coalition in support of expanded mobility and economic options for people with disabilities. The coalition consists of New Yorkers who support regulated ridesharing and want a regulatory framework passed so that services like Uber can operate across the Empire State.

The new members are:

  • Tony Coelho, former Congressman and co-author of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
  • New York Regional Group of the Blinded Veterans Association
  • Mike May, CEO, Sendero Group, Developers of Accessible GPS; Technology advisor to Uber
  • Community Options Inc.
  • Open Doors Organization
  • My Blind Spot
  • Macula Vision Research Foundation
  • Blinded Veterans National Chapter #1 of the Disabled American Veterans

Recently, a diverse group of state and community leaders, including Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), Rep. Chris Collins, Mayors from across the State, business groups and the New York State Restaurant Association, have joined the coalition.

Recently, Uber unveiled a Statewide Economic Impact report which projects that 13,000 jobs would be created in just one year of operating across New York State. Uber also began a Statewide Jobs Tour – with a focus on Upstate – visiting cities and towns across the Empire State where the company will announce localized economic impact numbers.

Currently, Uber only operates in NYC where it is regulated by the NYC Taxi & Limousine Commission. Uber supports Statewide regulations so that riders and drivers can use the Uber app in all areas of New York State.

Full list of coalition members:

  • Tony Coelho, former Congressman and co-author of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
  • New York Regional Group of the Blinded Veterans Association
  • Mike May, CEO, Sendero Group, Developers of Accessible GPS; Technology advisor to Uber
  • Community Options Inc.
  • Open Doors Organization
  • My Blind Spot
  • Macula Vision Research Foundation
  • Blinded Veterans National Chapter #1 of the Disabled American Veterans
  • Buffalo Niagara Partnership
  • Rochester Business Alliance
  • CenterState CEO
  • Capital Region Chamber of Commerce
  • NYS Chapter of the Associated General Contractors of America
  • NYC Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
  • Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown
  • Rochester Mayor Lovely Warren
  • Binghamton Mayor Richard David
  • Syracuse Mayor Stephanie Miner
  • Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan
  • Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD)
  • Congressman Chris Collins
  • Dr. W. Franklyn Richardson, Senior Pastor Grace Baptist Church, Mt. Vernon.
  • New York State Restaurant Association
  • The Business Council of New York State President & CEO Heather C. Briccetti, Esq.
  • Vic Christopher, Vice President, Board of Directors, Downtown Troy Business Improvement District
  • Dr. Victor Collier, Pastor of Mt. Olivet Baptist Church & Vice President for Programs of the Albany African American Clergy United for Empowerment
  • Walt Dixie, The Alliance Network, Syracuse
  • Lorraine Bracco, actress, New Yorker
  • Stephen M. Kraz, President, Local 786, Bethlehem Police Supervisors’ Association
  • The Student Association at Syracuse University