Local Guide Isha ( @Globe_trotter_Ish ) lives in London, UK, and is interested in mobility. She believes that people with disabilities should have an equal opportunity to enjoy places and experiences.
Why are you interested in accessibility?
Accessibility, to me, means equal opportunities for the older adults, wheelchair users, and the people with special needs to lead a good life and enjoy things, places, food and even experiences just the way others do. I believe that everyone deserves to be treated equally and enjoy their life, be it going for a trip or eating out, or visiting a particular place. It would be a dream come true to have an accessible and inclusive world for all.
Is there a particular area in which you are interested in the most (wheelchair accessibility, vision accessibility, etc.)?
Currently, I am focusing on accessibility in terms of mobility because, even though London is very accessible, there are many tourist attractions, buildings, hotels, and other sites that still do not have accessibility-friendly facilities.
Why are you passionate about accessibility information being shown on Google Maps?
Google Maps is the go-to app everyone checks before leaving their houses. I check the traffic, reviews, and more on Google Maps before we even plan to go out! If accessibility information is there on Maps, it becomes easier for those with special needs, older adults, or even parents with strollers to know if a particular place is accessible and worth visiting.
What have you done to help add accessibility information or generate visibility for accessibility information to/for Google Maps?
I try my best to add accessibility information wherever possible. To date, I have added accessibility-related photos, written reviews, added missing info and answered questions related to accessibility, created lists on Google Maps, and even created a My Map called “Accessible tourist spots in London” for a meet-up. There are a couple more lists about accessibility, which you can find on my Local Guides profile.
What’s your favorite Google Maps feature?
I have two favorites. One is creating lists; it saves a lot of time for the users if they are looking for a particular option to choose from, like vegan/pet-friendly/kid-friendly, and so on. The second is My Maps, the most useful and easy tool to create customized maps, especially for those looking to educate [others] or trying to make meet-ups interesting, like me.
What do you wish other Local Guides knew about accessibility?
I wish other Local Guides knew how crucial it is to add accessibility information and [that] it’s not time-consuming to contribute towards this noble cause. Google Maps has amazing features through which we can do that. I have written a post on Connect, which has a short video showing [those features]. I hope it helps and inspires other Local Guides who wish to contribute as their small inputs can make someone’s day!
What one feature would you like to see on Google Maps?
I would love to see more options added under “Accessibility” in “Describe this place” and other tabs. Currently, we have options only about mobility, like wheelchair-friendly, accessible toilets, lift, and more. There need to be other options, too, such as: Does [this place] have an interpreter for people with hearing or speech disabilities? Do they have a Braille menu? Is the place autism-friendly?, and so on.
What’s your tip for finding your passion through the Local Guides program?
If you have a passion for doing good, I think Local Guides is one of the best platforms where you can not only contribute on Google Maps utilizing whatever talent you have but also meet people with similar interests from across the globe. [That] can help you learn, share, and grow. Being passionate and being a Local Guide go hand-in-hand.
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?
Here are some of my Connect posts that demonstrate my contribution towards accessibility:
- “United Kingdom (UK’s) Accessibility law
” - “Multiple ways to contribute towards ‘Accessibility’ using Google Maps”
- “[Recap]: Accessible London”
Here are some lists that I created on Google Maps related to accessibility:
- “Accessibility-friendly day-out with kids in Newcastle, UK”
- “Best accessible London attractions”
- “Accessible museums around Sunderland, UK”
- “Accessibility-friendly day-out with kids in SE London, UK”
Is there anything else we should know about you?
I am an IT professional from India, who specializes in CRM (Customer Relationship Management). I have a passion for traveling, photography, music. I love to learn languages and discover different cuisines and cultures. I can read, write, and speak about 5-6 different languages.
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.
I feel really honoured and thank you all for the bottom of my heart for all the love , support and appreciation I have recieved till date from the entire Local Guide program team and fellow Local Guides. I am happy to be a part of this wonderful Local Guides program and the ‘One Accessibility’ accessibility initiative started by our friend 