Hey Local Guides! As May approaches, the One Accessibility team is looking forward to a significant global event that aligns perfectly with our mission to make Google Maps as helpful and informative as possible for everyone: Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD). Observed annually on the third Thursday of May, GAAD serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of digital accessibility for people with disabilities.
In 2025, we’ll be celebrating GAAD throughout the month of May, as part of Local Guides 10th anniversary and Google Maps 20th anniversary.
Why GAAD Matters for Local Guides
Think about the power of Google Maps. It helps us navigate new places, find essential services, and connect with our communities. Nevertheless, many individuals with disabilities, navigating the physical world face unique challenges. This is where our contributions as Local Guides become even more vital. By actively focusing on accessibility within Google Maps, we can break down barriers and empower everyone to explore and interact with the world around them with greater ease and independence.
Consider a wheelchair user needing to know if a restaurant has a ramp, a visually impaired person relying on accurate descriptions of landmarks, or someone with hearing difficulties needing information about accessible communication options. Our detailed and accurate contributions can make a tangible difference in their daily lives.
Commemorating GAAD 2025: Let’s Make an Impact on Google Maps
This year, as we commemorate GAAD, let’s amplify our efforts to make Google Maps a truly inclusive platform. Here are some ways we, as Local Guides, can contribute:
- Add Accessibility Information: When reviewing places, actively look for and add details about accessibility features. This includes:
- Physical Accessibility: Wheelchair ramps, accessible entrances and restrooms, elevators, and parking.
- Sensory Accessibility: Quiet areas, availability of Braille menus, sign language interpretation.
- Website and Contact Information Accessibility: Providing links to accessible websites or noting if phone lines have TTY/TDD support.
- Upload Accessible Photos and Videos: High-quality visuals that clearly show accessibility features are incredibly helpful. For example, a clear photo of a ramp entrance or an accessible restroom can provide crucial information at a glance.
- Answer Accessibility-Related Questions: Keep an eye out for questions from other users about accessibility and share your knowledge and observations.
- Use Descriptive Language: When describing places and features in your reviews and contributions, use clear and descriptive language that benefits everyone, including those using screen readers.
Learn and Engage: Webinars Throughout May
To further equip Local Guides with the knowledge and skills to contribute effectively to accessibility on Google Maps, One Accessibility Team is excited to announce a series of informative webinars throughout the month of May. These sessions will cover various aspects of digital accessibility and how they relate to our work as Local Guides. Stay tuned to the Local Guides Connect forum and social media for the detailed schedule and registration links. Topics will likely include:
- Understanding Different Disabilities and Their Needs: Gaining insights into the diverse challenges faced by individuals with disabilities.
- Identifying and Documenting Accessibility Features: Practical tips and tricks for accurately assessing and adding accessibility information to Google Maps.
- The Importance of Inclusive Language: Best practices for writing respectful and informative descriptions.
- Using Google Maps Tools for Accessibility Contributions: Navigating the platform to effectively add and update accessibility details.
Our special guests will include Joe Devon and surprise guests from Google and other experts!
Call to Action: Be an Accessibility Advocate!
GAAD 2025 is a fantastic opportunity for each and every one of us to become stronger advocates for accessibility within our communities and on Google Maps. If we consciously focus on inclusivity in our contributions, we can collectively make a significant impact, ensuring that everyone can benefit from the wealth of information and resources that Google Maps offers.
Let’s use the month of May to learn, share, and most importantly, take action
Together, we can make Google Maps a more accessible and user-friendly platform for everyone everywhere!
Share your accessibility contributions and experiences on Local Guides Connect using the hashtag #OneAccessibility #GAAD2025 #LocalGuides.
We can’t wait to see the positive changes we create together as we celebrate this 10th anniversary!
it’s a great opportunity for everyone to learn more about accessible contributions, and how to help more people with them.
GAAD 2025 is a powerful reminder of our role as Local Guides in creating an inclusive world. Let’s continue making Google Maps more accessible for everyone.