Local Guide Kamal Hossain ( @Kamalhasnainee )hopes to raise awareness about accessibility through his Local Guide contributions.
“One major issue is a lack of physical accessibility to facilities like shopping, restaurants, office buildings, etc.,” he told us. “Recently, only a very few progressive businesses are trying to provide some limited facilities like wheelchair ramps. My goal is to use these businesses as models to develop awareness in society.”
Kamal includes accessibility information in his contributions on Google Maps to show business owners that these features are important. He’s also held several meet-ups to help inspire other Local Guides to include accessibility info in their reviews.
Learn more about why Kamal champions accessibility in our interview with him below.
Why are you passionate about accessibility information being shown on Google Maps?
We need to differentiate the businesses who are sympathetic to people with special needs and socially responsible. This will lead other businesses to follow, thereby increasing the footprint of accessible facilities in the country. This will help the disabled community to be more independent.
What have you done to help add accessibility information or generate visibility for accessibility information to/for Google Maps?
I am always updating Google Maps with accessibility information and have hosted many meet-ups about accessibility in various places of Dhaka, Comilla, and Chandpur.
What area (mobility, vision, hearing, etc.) are you most interested in improving?
I am most actively trying to improve the mobility information, however, all of these functions are badly need to update.
What one feature would you like to see on Google Maps?
If any place is accessible, please show a wheelchair icon next to the place name on Google Maps.
What do you wish other Local Guides knew about accessibility?
All Local Guides around the world should do something together to update accessibility on Google Maps. We need to go as many spots as possible and let people know about accessibility features and to update or repair existing facilities in order to help the disabled community.
How are you helping to make a positive impact for people with accessibility needs? Tell us in the comments below.
