Become a Lyft Ride Trainer with ConnectAbility Program

Lyft: How to be a Ride Trainer

Our program for safely taking rides with Lyft ConnectAbility of MN is a nonprofit organization that coordinates services for people with physical and invisible barriers. We are promoting Lyft as the tool for a statewide transportation program that will serve people with disabilities, lower income older adults and others to get the places they need or want to be. This program expands options and allows people that face challenges the ability to have access to transportation with greater power and freedom to lead self-directed lives.

Purpose of the Trainer Program This Ride Trainer Program provides the tools needed for trainers to give one- time one on one instruction and guidance to people that face physical or mental limitations on how to independently and safely use Lyft for their transportation needs. After receiving the training, riders will have the knowledge and skills to confidently direct and manage their transportation utilizing Lyft rides on their own.

Applying to be a Trainer To apply to be a ride trainer with ConnectAbility of MN, first complete, sign and return the following materials provided on our website: 1. Ride Trainer Application 2. Release of Liability and Notification of Potential Risks 3. HIPAA Confidentiality Agreement 4. W-9 Training material is linked from the website for download and review. Applicants must then complete and pass an online quiz.

Working with People with Challenges When working with people with barriers or challenges it is important to understand that each person has different needs and abilities, though as general rule, it should be assumed people are independent and are able to assist themselves unless they indicate otherwise. Treat everyone as you would like to be treated. Never make assumptions about the rider s abilities based on appearances. Ask the person what is the best way that you can be of help to them.

Talking with the People you are Training Use terms that respect the individuality, equality and dignity of people with disabilities. Examples of generally acceptable terms to use in conversation: disabled person, person with a disability, visually impaired, person with an intellectual disability, person with cognitive challenges, person with a mental health disability, wheelchair user.

MN Waivers as payment for Lyft rides Trainers will typically provide ride training from riders who have been qualified to receive financial assistance for transportation needs from Minnesota s HCBS waiver program. This appears as a Lyft Pass credit on their ride app. Transportation assistance from waivers helps people who need long-term care services to live with greater freedom and independence in their community.

Rules for Lyft Pass Be aware of the rules for using Lyft Pass for review with the rider. Riders must add a personal payment method: Taking rides using the Lyft Pass waiver credit also requires the rider to maintain a minimum $25 credit applied to a credit, debit or prepaid card. This personal payment method must be added to their Lyft app along with their Lyft Pass credit.

Rules for Lyft Pass Any no show fees or damage charges will be charged to their personal payment account. At will requested rides can be canceled without penalty if done within 2 minutes of requesting the ride, otherwise subject to the no show fee. Rates and penalties are assigned by Lyft and may vary by time of day. Optional tipping of the driver will not be paid by the Lyft Pass credit.

HIPAA data protection requirements HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) is national legislation that provides data privacy and security provisions safeguarding medical information. HIPAA applies to you and the ride training you provide in the following ways: Protected private information cannot be shared. This includes information that relates to a rider s health or medical condition as well any information that can be used to identify them.

HIPAA data protection requirements You may NOT retain or share any private information with anyone not directly involved in these training sessions. Private information includes: Rider s name Address Contact information Medical condition While performing ride training, you cannot take pictures or make audio recordings. Trainers will sign a confidentiality agreement regarding the protection of information they may receive during the ride training process.

Download the Lyft Ride app, set up account The trainer must become familiar with each of the steps the rider needs to follow in using the Lyft app before being eligible to do the training. Review our ride safety video and other website resources for riders. Download and set up a Lyft Ride account on your smart phone. Follow the prompts to become familiar with the features of the app.

Learn how to use the Lyft Ride app The trainer will verify the rider s ability to use features of the Lyft Ride app. The trainer will need to know and be able to show the rider the following: 1. How riders set up their account with Lyft. 2. How they select their personal payment method 3. How to request and select rides. App shows how long until a driver is available, how much the ride will cost. 4. How to cancel a ride if done within 2 minutes 5. How the rider will use the app to confirm their driver and vehicle 6. How the rider can use and share their ride information with a caregiver, trusted friend or family member. 7. How to provide an optional tip to the driver using a personal payment method

Taking the ride with the rider When meeting with the rider for the one-on-one training, the trainer will take the rider through the experience of requesting and taking a ride with a Lyft driver. The training ride will be scheduled and paid for from the rider s app using their Lyft Pass waiver credit. There is no additional charge for accompanying the rider. During this process, the trainer should be observing the rider s familiarity and comfort with using the app. Following the ride, the trainer will review with the rider how they performed through the training and respond to any questions.

Drivers with Lyft Drivers are members of the community who sign up through the Lyft Driver app. They provide rides using their personal vehicle and get paid for the rides given. They must pass a background check, be licensed and insured and meet other Lyft requirements. Riders should be reminded that Lyft drivers are independent and at will. Drivers are free to choose whether or not to provide rides from requests received. ConnectAbility of MN assumes no liability regarding Lyft drivers or vehicles.

Riders Need to have Backup Plans Since drivers respond at will, there is no guarantee that a requested ride will arrive as planned. Inform riders they should prepare a backup plan, perhaps with the assistance of their case manager, in the event their expected ride does not arrive, or other difficulties prevent them from using Lyft. This backup plan should include an alternative means and process to get their ride.

In case of an accident or emergency Riders should prepare a safety plan with the help of their caseworker. Inform the rider of available options in the event of an accident or emergency during the ride experience. In an emergency or an unsafe situation, they should call 911 Riders also have 24-hour access to Lyft's Critical Response Line: 855-865-9553

What to do if the rider's phone is lost If the smart phone with the Lyft Pass credit is lost, the rider should know to report this to ConnectAbility of MN to have the Lyft Pass waiver funds turned off: 320-253-0765 or Transportation@ConnectAbilityMN.org

Training Checklist Both the trainer and rider must sign the checklist attesting to the completion of the training tasks. Send to ConnectAbility of MN by one of the following methods: Mail: 2700 1st Street North, Suite 200, Saint Cloud, MN 56303 Email: Transportation@ConnectAbilityMN.org Fax: 320-217-2020 Web Portal: https://connectabilitymn.wetransfer.com/

Trainer Payment ConnectAbility of MN will provide a $25 stipend for each successfully completed training provided. Payments are delivered in the form of a check from ConnectAbility of MN. A 1099 form will be sent at the end of the year for payments made.