For December 3, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, we want to tell you more about one Local Guide, who champions accessibility across different platforms: Google Maps, Google Earth, and Google Crowdsource.
Meet Ermes Tuon( @ErmesT ), a passionate mobility advocate who lives inTreviso, Italy. Ermes has a lot to say about mapping accessibility and his unique project, Accessible Life, so read along to learn more.
Why are you interested in accessibility?
My mom was disabled and in a wheelchair. Taking care of her, I learned to pay attention to places accessible for a wheelchair.
What have you done to help add accessibility information or generate visibility for accessibility information on Google Maps?
Apart from responding to all the accessibility questions, I am highlighting ramps and accessibility indications through my photos and reviews. Of course, I also [say] when a place is not accessible. Here is my review of a place I added.
What accessibility projects are you involved in?
The project is called Accessible Life. It aims to create a map of accessible paths and natural places around the world, and in this way, to give the opportunity to a person to find accessible places in nature and explore them [virtually] before visiting.
On May 5, 2019, Summit Alumni were invited to test a tool for creating a story on Google Earth. I fell in love with it, as it was what I was looking for to make my project more effective. The project on Google Earth is a work in progress, but it was featured by the team on all social channels when the tool became public. I’m volunteering with a non-profit association, too, and we created a specific area for the improvement of this project.
I recently joined the Geo For Good Summit 2020, and I was greatly surprised to have a Google Earth developer join my meet-up [during the event]. I think this is a good way to get motivated to continue. The final result will be a puzzle of single places, all linked on Google Earth, starting from continents down to countries, regions, provinces, and towns.
What’s your favorite Google Maps feature? What one feature would you like to see on Google Maps?
If I have to make a choice, I’d say lists. My Accessible pathways and beaches list is featured in Google Maps.
I would like to see on Maps a link to our public projects on Google Earth. That would push more people to work on [such projects].
[Also,] I think that the business listings on Maps should be improved [by] creating a specific tab for accessibility information. In the “About” tab, you can find some information, but the photos in the “Photos” tab are all mixed up, and there is no way to make sure that photos of ramps are easy to find. That will help a lot both the Local Guides who contribute and the users who look for those contributions.
What do you wish other Local Guides knew about accessibility?
As I’ve said many times, disability is not a choice. I think Google and the Local Guides, especially through the tireless efforts of the One Accessibility team, are learning the importance of highlighting accessible features and places on Google Maps.
What many Local Guides seem to forget is that a different, and much more common experience—that of parents with children [in strollers], can help them understand the difficulties of a person with reduced mobility. I would love to see the phrase “and/or a stroller” follow the word “wheelchair” in most of the accessibility questions on Google Maps.
What’s your tip for finding your passion through the Local Guides program?
Be yourself and follow your instinct. I joined Local Guides because I wanted to help my country after the earthquake, and through the program, I discovered a way to contribute, help others, and be creative.
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 have written several posts related to Accessible Life. I will host my first Local Guides meet-up to present Accessible Life during the Community Live event.
Apart from that, I presented the project together with @Kwiksatik during the Geo For Good Summit 2020, and I hosted a meet-up with @KarenVChin in Crowdsource aboutsigns for people with vision impairment. Behind the gamification, we are doing something important and helpful. On September 28, Accessible Life was also presented at the Italian Sustainable Development Festival.
Is there anything else we should know about you?
I love to take photos, and all the content published in Accessible Life is mine. All Local Guides who want to contribute will be asked to use only their original content.
Are you or someone you know an Accessibility Champion? Tell us how you’re making a positive impact in the comments below or nominate another Local Guide using our nomination form.
,Farid
