I want to share with Local guides the way Google Maps reshaped my life. I suffer from degenerative back disease and osteoarthritis. I was always in pain and in a negative mind space concentrating on the pain and thinking that’s how my life will always be…I got notifications from Maps to rate places.I did a review here and there and eventually I got so into Google maps and I found local guides. I was doing so much in maps and I found a whole community of friends. My life started to change. I stop thinking of the pain. I started getting up and doing reviews, photos, edits and interacting with my community of friends at Local guides. Google maps gave me purpose. I was doing so much my conscious wasn’t thinking of pain. I started working with businesses to make sure they have handicap accessibility in their parking lots, bathrooms and entrances. At first I did this on my own. I decided to schedule a meeting with the Mayor of Homestead to discuss making improvements and making businesses compliant for the handicap community. I now volunteer with the Mayor of Homestead creating new ideas to help the handicap. This work is very near and dear to my heart because I’m handicap too. Thank you Google and local guides because now I know I can make a difference. My whole life has changed. I went from being bedridden to becoming a special part of other people’s life. All of this happened when I found Google Maps. It has changed my life. Keeping busy improves mental health & wellness. It did for me once I started contributing.
I’m so sorry hear about what was happened to you, @Hkitty0573
But I’m also glad that you’re eagerly to help others with providing accessibility information of a place on Google Maps and even in the real world. That’s something!
Here in Connect there are a lot of Local Guides that are also regularly sharing about the accessibility aspect of a place on Maps. Like they are that featured in this article: Five Local Guides making Google Maps more accessible
@iorikun301 it’s ok. I have to thank God I can still walk. I have to physically make more of an effort. God showed me a way to get out of my mind set and now I enjoy people like you who are positive and supportive. Thanks for inspiring me.
I am so sorry to know that @Hkitty0573 . I really hope and pray that you recover fast, get back on track and explore the world with us. It is amazing to know that you did not give up and kept going. I believe that is the most important and beautiful thing. I am so glad that Connect and LocalGuides community welcomed you and it gave you a new direction. I honestly believe that our community where people go beyond their beliefs and boundaries to help others.
Do you know that we have accessibility champions on Connect? these amazing LocalGuides are making a difference. I am dropping some links to their achievements down here, I am sure there stories will keep you motivated.
Tejal, Isha, Pritish, Stephen, Jordan, Naresh, Ermes, and Jesi to name a few.
Stay healthy, stay strong and keep exploring.
Cheers
Hi @OmerAli I thank you so much for your prayers and inspiration. You truly touch my heart.
That is absolutely amazing to here. I wish I would have known about this community sooner because I can see how helpful and liberating it can be.
What a beautiful story @Hkitty0573 so glad that Local Guides has lifted you up and given you a purpose and allowed you to retake control of your life. This could only happen if the strength was in you already, so well done you 
Paul