Local Guide Kalyan Pal( @KalyanPal ) lives inKolkata, India, and is interested in mobility. He is part of the #AccessibleBengal initiative within the Local Guides movement “Accessibility for All” and an active meet-ups organizer. We recently caught up with Kalyan to learn more about what sparked his passion for accessibility.
Why are you interested in accessibility?
My uncle is a wheelchair user, and in the village where I grew up, many people have a disability ([either motor], visual, or hearing disability). When I see disabled persons, I try to help them as much as possible, either physically or virtually. I help them virtually through my contributions on Google Maps. I think Google Maps is the best way to help by providing information on accessibility.
Is there a particular area in which you are interested the most (wheelchair accessibility, vision accessibility, etc.)?
I want all places to become accessible for all. More specifically, I am interested in wheelchair accessibility in West Bengal, India.
Why are you passionate about accessibility information being shown on Google Maps? What have you done to help generate visibility for such information?
Nowadays, we use Google Maps to get information on whether a place is accessible or not. Before leaving home, we read reviews and watch videos and photos of the place. And, if we don’t know the way, Google Maps helps [us to get there].
But, most of the places have no proper information on accessibility. So I try my best to explain the accessibility status [in my] reviews and upload photos and videos that show accessibility features. I write accessibility information in the “Add a caption” [field] and answer questions about accessibility.
What area (mobility, vision, hearing, etc.) are you most interested in improving?
I try my best to improve all areas, but I am most interested in mobility. In my opinion, many people [need] mobility [information]: [people with] strollers, older adults, hospitalized patients.
What’s your favorite Google Maps feature?
I like all features. Yet, my favorite is the “About” section, where I am able to suggest accessibility information by clicking the “Describe this place” button (I suggest other information, too). [Another] interesting feature is answering questions, because, when I visit a place, I automatically get the questions and, without spending much time, I answer all of them. I also like to create accessibility lists.
What do you wish other Local Guides knew about accessibility?
A small quality contribution on accessibility will help a lot. When you visit a place, please [leave a] review mentioning the accessibility status, along with photos and videos.
What one feature would you like to see on Google Maps?
[I’d like] all accessibility information to be visible in the “About” section along with the accessibility sign.
What’s your tip for finding your passion through the Local Guides program?
Local Guides is a unique program through which you can share your ideas, experiences, and opinion with millions of others. I never thought that I would be able to host a meet-up. But now I am very excited after hosting [several] successful ones. Meet-ups [make] it possible to share my experiences with other Local Guides and gather knowledge from the attendees.
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?
After introducing the #AccessibleBengal campaign, I hosted five physical meet-ups:
- [Recap]:
#AccessibleBengal Nakunda 1.0: Dakshin Nakunda Primary School - [RECAP]: #AccessibleBengal Nakunda 2.0: Nakunda Haat-Bazar
- [RECAP]: #AccessibleBengal Kolkata 1.0: Belgharia Railway Station
- [RECAP]: #AccessibleBengal Kolkata 2.0: Sealdah Railway Station
- [RECAP]: #AccessibleBengal Kolkata 3.0: Belgharia Bazar
Also, I wrote one accessibility post:
And hosted a virtual meet-up in January (I have scheduled more meet-ups for the upcoming months):
Is there anything else we should know about you?
I am a health professional student and an expert in Information Technology. I want to make friends with all Local Guides and learn more and more languages to communicate with others.
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.
Dear Brother & Bangla LG team,