A Practical guide for Local Guides
Over the past few years, the Local Guides community has shown incredible enthusiasm for accessibility. While the conversation is growing, there is a vital gap to bridge: the difference between declaring a place is accessible and proving it.
Accessibility cannot be assumed; it must be observed and verified. This guide provides a framework to ensure your contributions provide real-world value to those who need it most.
How Accessibility Became Personal for Me?
For me, accessibility didn’t begin as a concept or a checklist. It began with people. Seeing @EmekaUlor ’s work one accessibility made me realise how much responsibility comes with calling a place accessible. It pushed me to slow down, look closer, and document things more honestly.
@NareshDarji has been equally important in this journey. From sharing thoughts to actually walking through public spaces together, he showed me that consistency matters more than noise. His approach helped me understand that this work takes patience. Joining @ErmesT 's Accessible Life Project was another turning point. It showed me how collaborative accessibility work can be—different people, different places, but the same intent.
All of this shaped how I contribute today—with care, with proof, and with honesty.
What Accessibility Actually Means
Accessibility is the ability for a person to navigate and use a space independently and safely, regardless of mobility, vision, hearing, or cognitive limitations.
Key features to look for:
Physical: Step-free entrances, ramps, elevators, and accessible washrooms.
Visual: Tactile flooring (yellow bumps), Braille signage, and high-contrast markings.
Auditory: Audio announcements or visual display boards.
Logistical: Reserved parking or dedicated drop-off points.
Pro Tip: If these features are missing, say so! Knowing a place is not accessible is just as helpful for planning as knowing that it is.
What to Check (By Place Type)
| Category | What to Look For |
|---|---|
| Shops & Restaurants | Ramps/level entry, wide aisles for wheelchairs, and accessible seating. |
| Malls & Offices | Working elevators to all floors, accessible washrooms, and clear directional signage. |
| Hospitals | Step-free access, available wheelchairs at the door, and tactile paths to help desks. |
| Public Spaces | Footpath ramps (curb cuts), tactile paving at crossings, and audible pedestrian signals. |
The Do’s and Don’ts of Contributing
Do
Document what you see: Only mark a feature if you physically see it.
Share focused photos: Capture the ramp, not just the building facade.
Mention gaps: “The entrance is ramped, but the bathroom is up three steps.”
Be honest: Accuracy is more important than a “positive” review.
Don’t
Don’t assume: Don’t call a place “accessible” just because it looks modern.
Avoid generic terms: Skip “Accessible place”; use “level entry”,“wheelchair friendly" or “wide doorway” instead.
No “Selfie-access”: Avoid group photos that block the actual accessibility features. (Need to remove or change)
Don’t confuse service with access: Great staff behavior does not replace a physical ramp.
Accessibility Laws: The Global Standard
While you aren’t a legal inspector, knowing the baseline helps you observe better. Most countries (e.g., ADA in the USA, RPWD in India, Equality Act in the UK) require:
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Step-free access.
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Accessible washrooms (if facilities are provided).
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Elevators/lifts in multi-floor public buildings.
How to Contribute on Google Maps
1. Edit Attributes
Go to the listing, swipe till you find About > Edit features > Scroll down till you find “Accessibility” and then Mark ,, or 
for Assisted listening devices, hearing loop, wheelchair accessible car park, entrance, seating and toilet.
2. Write Specific Reviews
Weak: “Very accessible place!”
Strong: “The main entrance has a shallow ramp with handrails. Inside, the aisles are wide enough for a power chair, but the restroom is located in the basement with no elevator access.”
Always add accessibility information in your review
Use dedicated emojis
Mobility
Wheelchair accessible
/ 
Manual Wheelchair user
/ 
Motorized wheelchair users
Mobility aid / crutches supported
Visual Accessibility
/ 
/ 
White cane user
White cane friendly paths
Visual access or awareness features
Hearing Accessibility
/ 
/ 
Deaf or hard of hearing friendly
Hearing aid support
Sign language / Deaf culture friendly spaces
Neurodiversity & Cognitive Access
Easy-to-understand Cognitive-friendly spaces
Neurodiversity inclusive
Welcoming and Inclusive environment
Wayfinding / Directional (if supported)
‍:right_arrow: / ‍:left_arrow: Accessible movement directions
‍:right_arrow: / ‍:left_arrow: Guidance for visually impaired users
Support & Care
Staff Assistance available
Community care & support
Medical support nearby
Every emoji you add helps someone plan better, travel with confidence, and feel included. Accessibility shared is accessibility multiplied.
3. Upload Impactful Photos
One clear photo of a ramp is worth more than five photos of food.
Capture the context: Show where a ramp starts and ends.
Show the detail: Take a clear shot of Braille on a sign, elevator buttons, Accessible Parking - these small details answer big questions for someone planning their visit.
Avoid heavy filters: Keep your photos natural so users can actually judge things like slope, surface texture, or spacing.
NOTE 
: Personal or private photos should not be uploaded to Google Maps; only images intended for public viewing and general information are appropriate.
While I appreciate the effort to highlight accessible features on the upper floors or within the building, there is a significant barrier that makes this information misleading: the main entrance is only accessible via stairs.
In the world of universal design, if the primary entrance lacks a ramp, elevator, or escalator, the entire venue is considered inaccessible to many individuals, including wheelchair users and those with limited mobility. Posting accessibility signs or highlighting internal features can be confusing—and ultimately disappointing—for guests who arrive only to find they cannot enter the building.
Final Thought
Which photo do you think helps more on Google Maps when it comes to accessibility?
On Google Maps, accuracy really matters. If accessibility info is added casually or based on assumptions, it can give people the wrong idea. That “should be fine” moment can turn into someone getting stuck, having to turn back, or feeling like they don’t belong there at all. But when we slow down and share what’s actually there—clearly and honestly—it helps people decide for themselves.
It gives them control, confidence, and dignity while moving through everyday spaces. So instead of ticking boxes or using labels loosely, let’s focus on being precise and responsible because for someone relying on that information, it’s not just a review—it’s their route forward.
Let’s choose accuracy over labels and responsibility over convenience.
Thank you,
Anshuk Mitra.
#HappyGuiding accessibility
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