In my candid opinion one major priority of every local guide is to be fair to all and sundry through our activities on Google maps. Being a local guide carries with it the mandate of selflessness, equity and fairness. Hence, in order to achieve the goals and objectives of the program we must be altruistic and selfless with our activities both on Google maps and on connect. One of the ways we can do this is by promoting accessibility on Google maps. We must spread the message of inclusiveness. In all fairness and equity we must consider all including the physically challenged and people with special needs as we share photos, write reviews, create lists, answer accessibility questions and engage in other community base projects.
However, promoting accessibility requires a unique mindset. This mindset must be one anchored on the belief that accessibility is the responsibility of every Local Guide. It is not the exclusive responsibility of a few select local guides but to all of us. So in our effort to contribute to Google maps we should consider others especially people with disabilities. Fairness and equity should be the watch word. We must not discriminate against them rather we must give them a sense of belonging by making them feel loved. Doing this will require us to see the world through the eyes of the physically challenged. Hence to understand their worldview or the prism through which they view life; we must put ourselves in their position each time we are making contributions to the maps. We must exhibit a level of selflessness by feeling the pulse of their pains, needs, desires and aspirations.
An in depth understanding of the concept of accessibility is very important. Interestingly, in my own words accessibility is freedom, #AccessibilityIsFreedom. It is a gift of freedom every Local Guide must give to the physically challenged. And this freedom is achieved when people including the physically challenged have equal rights and opportunities to freely navigate and explore the world around them for a better life experience. Through accessibility we empower the physically challenged and people with special needs to be in charge of their decision making for a better world experience. We can oblige them this freedom each time we share on Google maps. By doing this we can ensure unrestricted freedom of every Google maps user no matter their status to choose and to make informed decisions. We must make sure everyone is given free and equal access to information that is what the Google maps app stands for.
Promoting accessibility is not without a challenge. One major challenge facing accessibility is that of discrimination and stigmatization in our societies. And on our own part as local guides the challenge is negligence of this noble course. We are either nonchalant or oblivious of the importance of accessibility. But thanks to the efforts of some dedicated accessibility minded local guides the campaign is gaining worldwide acceptability. Obviously, this freedom begins with us. It is the responsibility of every local guide. Hence, in giving this freedom we must all be committed to the accessibility course by promoting inclusiveness on Google maps. Our contributions and effort must be targeted at the physically challenged persons and people with special needs.
These people are part and parcel of the larger society and so must be given a sense of belonging. They are just victims of circumstances and as local guides we must help them to navigate and explore the world around them, to get the best world experience. So we must be more detailed in our contributions. Watch out for accessibility features in every place you want to map or review. Before you share any information on Google maps ask yourself whether it will benefit people with disabilities or special needs, and how. Obviously, all these information will empower them to be in charge of their decisions for a better life experience.
However, to get this right we must work in conjunction with the physically challenged persons. It is said that he that wears the shoe knows where it pinches. So we must consult them to know how we can help them explore the world around them. Be curious ask them questions and I assure you that you will get the right answers. They are willing if given the opportunity to contribute their own quota in solving accessibility problems as it concerns the physically challenged. So ask them to tell you what they need to have in Google maps and how it will help them. This knowledge will help in promoting accessibility and this means more freedom for the people with disabilities. Remember, #AccessibilityIsFreedom so join hand let’s share this freedom.
Finally, you can make giving this gift of freedom your passion as a local guide.
#AccessibilityIsFreedom
