Hy Local Guides, 
April is here & it is a wonderful time to come together to celebrate Autism Awareness Month. As Local Guides, we have a unique and powerful opportunity to make our communities more inclusive, not just this month, but every day of the year. By updating accessibility information on Google Maps, we can help ensure that everyone – regardless of their needs – can navigate our cities with confidence and ease.
This global movement towards inclusivity is truly inspiring to witness. From the Autismo Café con Sabor Dominicano in the USA 
and the Opportunity Cafe & Skills Academy in India 
to The Child’s Perspective Cafe in Japan 
, cafes and community spaces around the world are working hard to create environments that are not only accessible but also welcoming to all.
This movement is built on the shared efforts of our incredible community. From @EmekaUlor’s insightful look on Autism Awareness Day beyond accessibility & @Globe_trotter_Ish’s dedication on supporting persons with autism on Google Maps to @doc_dells’s educational series regarding whether your favorite spot is sensory-friendly & welcomes everyone inclusively. We have also seen inspiring examples like @TusharSuradkar’s recent visit to a sensory-friendly aquarium & @Manishhh’s visit to an inclusive cafe, showing us that places with a purpose make a real difference in our daily lives.
While we focus on Autism Awareness this month, let’s also keep the broader conversation on accessibility alive. Whether we are preparing for International Day of Persons with Disabilities 
, checking for LGBTQ+ 
friendly & accessible environments 
or looking ahead to Autistic Pride 
Day, our collective contributions are what build a truly welcoming world.
How to join the celebration:
- Update the Maps
: Beyond wheelchair-accessible entrances and parking 
, help our community build a more inclusive map by checking for cognitive-friendly features 
. When you visit a place, consider: Is there clear, easy-to-read signage? Is the environment calm and predictable, making it a safe place to move, explore & process information for persons needing cognitive accessibility? Please update these attributes in your reviews 
or add media 
related to that to help others know what to expect. - Share your stories
: Have you visited a place that made you feel welcome and accommodated, or perhaps a place that went the extra mile to be sensory-friendly and inclusive? Share your experiences in the comments below 
. Your stories help us understand what “inclusive” really looks like in our neighborhoods. - Spread the word
: Let’s continue to learn from each other and advocate for environments that everyone - regardless of their physical or cognitive needs - can enjoy safely and independently.
Together, we have the power to create a world where every individual feels seen, valued & included. Whether you are mapping a quiet corner in a busy city or sharing a story about an inclusive space that made all the difference, your contributions are the bricks that build a more accessible future for everyone.
Let’s keep exploring, keep learning & keep mapping - one inclusive location at a time. Looking forward to seeing the wonderful places you discover and the impact you continue to make in our global community.
accessibility
something we can do together!
.
