Hy Local Guides, 
On this International Week of Deaf People, we can Celebrate With Local Guides 
by highlighting auditory accessibility, recognizing the importance of sign languages & focusing on practical steps we can take to make the world more accessible for the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community. Accessibility on Google Maps goes beyond physical ramps and automatic doors, it is equally about creating spaces where everyone can communicate, navigate & connect without barriers.
Photo of an accessible self-check-in kiosk at Bangalore Airport, India, designed with visual prompts, tactile controls with an adaptable height to support travellers with physical, visual, auditory & cognitive accessibility needs.
Across the globe, businesses are showing how sensory inclusion can be brought to life, from a cafe staffed by Deaf individuals in Indonesia, a vegetarian restaurant run by Deaf heroes in India and an auditory-accessible restaurant in France to a sign language–fluent coffee shop in US.
Reflecting on Our Journey Toward Inclusion
Over the years, our community has shared incredible insights into how accessibility touches every aspect of daily life. Building an inclusive mindset starts with understanding broader accessibility needs, much like our discussions during Inclusion Week, while our look into World Day for Assistive Technology showcased the innovative tools bridging vital communication gaps. We further deepened our appreciation for linguistic rights and visual communication throughout International Sign Language Week. Tying all of this together is the power of lived experience, beautifully captured in how TravellerG manages life with sound & vision impairment, offering an authentic perspective on navigating daily barriers.
Making Places Hearing-Friendly 
When reviewing local spots, sensory accessibility is often overlooked. In the Accessibility Edu Series, @doc_dells posed an essential question: Is your favourite spot hearing friendly?
Here are key details you can observe and mention in your Google Maps contributions to help others discover inclusive spaces:
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Visual Information
: Does the venue have digital queue displays, screens with subtitles, clear signage or menu? -
Assistive Technology
: Is there an induction hearing loop system, FM listening gear or assistive speech-to-text kiosks available at reception or checkout counters? -
Staff Communication
: Are staff patient, prepared with paper and pen or digital tablets for written communication or trained in basic sign language?
How You Can Contribute towards Auditory Accessibility? 
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Write or Update a Review
: Visit a local spot and detail its sensory & communication accessibility features, such as visual queue systems, noise levels or supportive staff communication. -
Upload Media
: Add clear media of auditory friendly features like self-check-in kiosks, digital ordering screens, clear printed menus & accessibility signage. -
Update Maps Attributes
: Check and update accessibility attributes on Google Maps like assistive hearing loops or assisted listening devices where available.
Every small detail we add to Google Maps, from a snapshot of a visual display to a note about an induction loop - gives someone the confidence to step out & enjoy a space independently. Inclusivity isn’t built all at once; it grows with every conscious choice we make to map our world for everyone.
Have you discovered a great hearing-friendly spot in your city or do you have tips for identifying accessible communication features? Share your thoughts, stories and experiences in the comments below 
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accessibility
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with live demonstrations like that make a lasting impact on how we contribute to Maps. Truly appreciate your kind words about the post & the animation 
Celebrating International Week of Deaf People is such a powerful reminder of how vital inclusive communication and accessibility are on Google Maps. Highlighting places with visual alerts, assistive features, and welcoming staff makes a genuine difference in breaking down everyday barriers.