From sustainability to accessibility, Ilankovan Thushyantha (@IlankovanT) has many different passions as an active member of our community. Recently, the Local Guide from Colombo, Sri Lanka was even given an award for his eco-mapping efforts by e-Swabhimani, an initiative created by the Information Communication Technology Agency of Sri Lanka to recognize excellence in digital applications across the country.
Now, we’d like to recognize Illankovan for his efforts to make the map more inclusive for all through his Local Guides contributions. He creates lists to help others find accessible places in his area, includes accessibility info in his reviews and photos, and has hosted accessibility meet-ups in his area.
We caught up with him to learn more about his experience improving the map for all.
First, could you tell us about winning an e-Swabhimani award for your eco-mapping efforts?
The award is under the Environment and Green Energy category for planting and mapping trees. I help to show the world where the tree has been planted based on the location and upload a photograph at the beginning as well as throughout the progress of the plant. I have now undertaken a challenge of planting 1 billion trees for this campaign and there are many Local Guides and volunteers who have joined on this mission.
As my next step, I have started educating school children and students about tree planting, the use of Google Maps, and other free tools available. This can enhance kids knowledge about IT and the environment and encourage them to do more using Google Maps and related products.
Why are you passionate about accessibility information being shown on Google Maps?
I have been a passionate volunteer to the community since my school days. Apart from what I have done for my community, the Local Guides program gave me a path to do quite a lot through a digital platform for almost everyone out there whenever they travel. Doing this for a considerable period, I realized the existence of a separate component of the community, those with the real need, the differently-abled people. Helping them through Google Maps to navigate easier gave me a contented feeling which I started nurturing being a Local Guide.
What have you done to help add accessibility information or generate visibility for accessibility information to/for Google Maps?
I often add information about accessibility on Google Maps. Even though we add things to the map, people who need accessibility features should get introduced to the technology. Considering this, I started reaching out to them and letting them know that there are these features they can use for navigation.
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 had a remarkable experience hosting meetups for differently-abled people and have now connected with some non-profit organizations to support them.
Here are a few of my posts about them:
Join hands to help millions in Sri Lanka - Accessibility Meet-Up
Satisfaction is when you give the right thing for those who are in the real need!
Master RECAP - 
Worldwide - Meet-up to help others get around in October
What’s your favorite Google Maps feature?
When I talk about accessibility, my favorite feature is voice search. At a meet-up I hosted some time ago, I saw the power of voice search firsthand. A few visually impaired participants of my meet-up struggled to input what they wanted on Google Maps. So, I taught them the voice search feature and it made their task easier. The voice search became my favorite feature then after.
Are you passionate about making Maps more inclusive? Tell us how you’re making a positive impact in the comments below.
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