Woman says she was denied Uber ride due to wheelchair

<p>A woman is calling for Uber to make changes after she says a driver refused to accommodate her wheelchair.</p>

News 12 Staff

Jun 25, 2018, 7:09 PM

Updated 2,132 days ago

Share:

A woman is calling for Uber to make changes after she says a driver refused to accommodate her wheelchair.
Bryanna Copeland says it happened last Tuesday as she was trying to get a ride from her job to her home in Franklin Square.
Copeland says that when the driver pulled up and saw she was in a wheelchair, he said, "Where is that thing going?"
She says the driver also told her he didn't have room in his SUV for her foldable wheelchair. Copeland says she told the driver that he was in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
"It's discrimination, what you're doing based on my wheelchair, because if I didn't have my wheelchair and I was just walking you would have found a way. And chances are if I had luggage and I was trying to get in, you probably still would’ve had a way to get me and my luggage in there -- if I didn't have a wheelchair," says Copeland.
Copeland is calling on Uber to take disciplinary action against the driver. She also wants the company to educate other drivers about the Americans with Disabilities Act.
In a statement, an Uber spokesperson said, "Uber is committed to making the Uber app accessible for anyone wanting a safe, reliable and convenient way to get around -- whether visually impaired, hard of hearing or a wheelchair user."
But Copeland says accessibility can't be claimed without following through with it.
"There has to be a change," she says.
"As a company that is that big in net worth, you can do better, and better training of your drivers," says Copeland's mother, Veronica Copeland.


More from News 12
1:56
Authorities: 41-year-old man killed by his own dog in Longwood

Authorities: 41-year-old man killed by his own dog in Longwood

0:29
MTA outlines new details on congestion pricing, including start date

MTA outlines new details on congestion pricing, including start date

1:46
Sunny with mild temperatures for New York City today; tracking weekend rain

Sunny with mild temperatures for New York City today; tracking weekend rain

1:46
NYPD: 2nd suspect linked to killing of 17-year-old in Morrisania at large

NYPD: 2nd suspect linked to killing of 17-year-old in Morrisania at large

1:43
See what's happening across the Bronx the weekend of April 27-28

See what's happening across the Bronx the weekend of April 27-28

1:59
6-year-old girl from the Bronx making, selling custom T-shirts for Mother's Day

6-year-old girl from the Bronx making, selling custom T-shirts for Mother's Day

0:29
Where to drop off your prescription drugs safely in the Bronx for National Take Back Day

Where to drop off your prescription drugs safely in the Bronx for National Take Back Day

0:27
Police: Bronx man beaten, stabbed at Showboat Resort Atlantic City; 1 arrested

Police: Bronx man beaten, stabbed at Showboat Resort Atlantic City; 1 arrested

1:55
Tribute held for survivors and victims of high-profile violent Bronx crimes

Tribute held for survivors and victims of high-profile violent Bronx crimes

0:24
Councilmember Marmorato meets with Home Depot staff to discuss security measures

Councilmember Marmorato meets with Home Depot staff to discuss security measures

2:03
Council Member Sanchez introduces building inspection, integrity bills after Billingsley Terrace collapse

Council Member Sanchez introduces building inspection, integrity bills after Billingsley Terrace collapse

1:34
MTA rolls out multibillion-dollar plan to protect transit system from major storms

MTA rolls out multibillion-dollar plan to protect transit system from major storms

1:53
Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

0:30
Gov. Hochul announces funding to aid flood-prone communities

Gov. Hochul announces funding to aid flood-prone communities

1:35
NYPD: Multiple armed suspects wanted for string of robberies on Bronx train

NYPD: Multiple armed suspects wanted for string of robberies on Bronx train

2:02
Exclusive: Animal rescue group stepping in to help cats in danger of being mauled

Exclusive: Animal rescue group stepping in to help cats in danger of being mauled

0:05
Baseball's oldest living major leaguer, former Yankee Art Schallock, is turning 100

Baseball's oldest living major leaguer, former Yankee Art Schallock, is turning 100

1:54
Bronx Children's Museum offers familiar fun, valuable education for youth and families

Bronx Children's Museum offers familiar fun, valuable education for youth and families

0:19
NYPD: Woman wanted for punching another woman, stealing her phone in Highbridge

NYPD: Woman wanted for punching another woman, stealing her phone in Highbridge

2:07
Council Member Feliz plans to tackle rising vacant storefronts in the Bronx

Council Member Feliz plans to tackle rising vacant storefronts in the Bronx