As part of our advocacy, #OneAccessibility, we shall share information about disability issues, inclusion and/or accessibility features on Maps. Look out every week for this enlightening post.
I choose this nice and cozy shopping mall, Southland Shopping Mall, because of its convenience and it is close to my neighborhood. Unfortunately, since the Pandemic hits us all this mall is much quieter than usual, Winter also will help many people decide to stay home rather than to visit the mall. In Summer this place is packed with teenagers hanging out in the air conditioning, sometimes it is just nice to do people watching.
Caption: View of Southland Mall using Google Earth
Looking from the outside this mall can be easily accessed from many sides of the location, the parking lot is very big with accessible parking spots nearby the entrance. The cement is level to the ground for easy access for wheelchair users.
Next to the entrance, there is a sign “please do not smoke within 25 feet of the entrance” respect fellow shoppers!. Another sign is for bus riders. It is for the convenience of all the shoppers if you can not drive why not take the bus, yes certain buses will take you straight to the mall. In my personal opinion, these two signs are very informative.
Caption: Outside the mall
As soon as you pass the wide double doors, you will be greeted with a stair to step down (about 10 steps) on the right or a wide ramp for the wheelchair 
with a handrail on the left. On the right towards the wall, there is a fountain drink with taller and shorter fountains very easy access for the person in a wheelchair. Before entering further to the mall there is a hand sanitizer standing right in the middle of the floor.
Caption: Entrance (top right), Hand Sanitizer (top left), Steps and Ramp (bottom right), Drinking Fountain (bottom left)
Inside this huge mall, there are many stores that provide apparel for all seasons, jewelry for engagement or wedding band/ring, cigarette vape or cigar with all smoking necessities, sporting goods from basketball, golf, snow skier you name it, foods due to the pandemic, not many food stalls are open, electronics cellphone, laptops, toys for children, children’s amusement, just about everything.
From one end to another there are many benches to relax or to sit down while other family members shopping. Children’s amusement is located in many spots along the way and of course, it will take some coins or singles to start them it is not free. Vending machines for all kinds of drinks as simple as water to energy drinks or snacks are also available. A variety and colorful sweets candy are really tempting your appetite with one quarter you can get bubble gum.
Caption: Benches for resting
Caption: Vending Machines and Children’s Amusement
Do you know that you can hang out at this shopping mall all day long? As far as you are behaving well of course.
My favorite spot is the middle section of the mall where there are many chairs and tables to relax. There are chess tables, find yourself a rival and try to play it. If the phone or laptop needs to be charged go to another section where there are many charging stations. If you are hungry, get something to eat. Thirsty, order your drink, coffee, or grab your favorite drink from the vending machine.
Caption: Middle section of the mall, couch, chest table, charging station
Sneakpeak to the restroom, wheelchair accessible restroom is available with a wide floor and door to turn around.
Let’s see what other Local Guides are saying about this shopping mall.
“Excellent shopping with lots to see. They need a second floor.”
“Southland has some good options for stores. This is the first time I have been in here in probably 5 years. Looks to be well maintained. Doesn’t look run down and has relevant stores for the times. I do miss the old food court. But it didn’t matter because they still have The Pretzel Peddler for a quick nibble. Nice Bright Lighting and a nice place to sit and plug your phone in between stores.”
Pandemic related info as well:
“Support your local shopping malls. These stores seem to be following covid-19 guidelines. This mall has wide Open spaces for safe traveling through the mall. Stores always seem to have great specials and customer service at most of these stores are always great you should try stopping in to the small and maybe a movie next door.”
This is related to accessibility, love this one!:
“Security is awesome. The rear of my handicap van was open and they closed it and left me a card letting me know. 
”
What is your favorite accessible shopping mall near you? Please share with us in the comment below!
Behind the scene:
A security person approached my husband and me at the mall informing us that taking photos inside the mall is not allowed and asking us to leave the mall. I have tried to explain the purpose of my visit with no luck! No sign with “photo taken inside the mall is prohibited” is posted. Photos were taken and my mission was accomplished 
If you have a question, suggestion, or contribution, feel free to comment below. You can read last week’s roundup article here and check the list of our other articles under "Accessibility Uncovered".
staying away from the trouble 
and the parking lot is only at one angle where not many cars around too lazy to white out the license plates. I could say after the pandemic the mall is not like to be as usual people have changed their shopping habit to online shopping one is able to pick the product from the mall if they carry the brand!
