Local Guide Alpha ( @AlphaSays ) was a 2020 Guiding Star, and he continues to light the way for those passionate about accessibility and inclusivity. Originally from The Gambia but living in Famagusta, Cyprus, Alpha has taken the opportunity to organize accessibility meet-ups in both countries. His favorite part of being a Local Guide on Google Maps is the ability to contribute to a good cause and make a difference.
Alpha is also a foodie and a tech and media enthusiast – from his YouTube channel, Alpha Says, to a stint he had as a DJ on Connect during the pandemic. When he’s not sharing on Google Maps, you can find him leading the youth in schools and community clubs, supporting start-up businesses, and volunteering with non-profit organizations advocating for human rights, gender equality, and mental health awareness. He’s currently an intern at The Gambian Embassy in Ankara, Turkey.
We recently caught up with Alpha to learn more about what motivates him to advocate for accessibility on the map and beyond.
Why are you interested in accessibility?
I have been a first-hand witness to discrimination against friends and strangers who use wheelchairs. It breaks my heart every time. I cannot imagine the number of people going through this, and I have a burning desire to contribute as much as I can to make them feel included. I believe in accessibility and that awareness of accessibility would make my community a better place.
Is there a particular area in which you are interested the most (wheelchair accessibility, vision accessibility, etc.)?
I am interested in all forms of accessibility, but I am able to actively contribute to wheelchair accessibility the most.
What have you done to help add accessibility information or generate visibility for accessibility information on Google Maps?
I have added accessibility information to all my reviews from the past four years. I have created lists of upscale accessible restaurants and clothing stores in Famagusta and of accessible restaurants in The Village shopping center in Senegambia, The Gambia. I have also hosted meet-ups to update accessibility information on Google Maps and educate Local Guides about it.
Do you have a favorite Google Maps contribution that you’ve shared?
My review of Luna Lounge holds a special place in my heart. I hosted the first physical meet-up in The Gambia there, which I will forever be proud of. Luna Lounge was also the first restaurant I ate at after being away from home for almost two years.
Are there any posts on Connect or meet-ups you’ve hosted that help demonstrate your contributions around accessibility to Local Guides, Google Maps, and your community?
I hosted a City Mall accessibility hybrid meet-up in Famagusta, a food crawl and accessibility meet-up in The Gambia, and a peer learning and “Focusing on the Big Picture” virtual meet-ups. I also co-hosted the Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) 2022 meet-up and have contributed to many accessibility meet-ups by other Local Guides.
What do you wish other Local Guides knew about accessibility?
Accessibility should be beyond contributing on Maps or hosting accessibility meet-ups. It should include educating others about accessibility, connecting with people with disabilities, sharing accessibility tools that could make their life easier, and bringing them into the program to help others because I can never fully understand some of the challenges they face. It is important that Local Guides know that joining this campaign improves universal accessibility.
What’s your tip for finding your passion through the Local Guides program?
Read, read, read! It’s always beautiful to connect with other incredible Local Guides and learn new things from them and Connect.
Thank you, Alpha! Local Guides, have you participated in any of Alpha’s accessibility meet-ups? Let us know below.
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