Local Guide Lily Asongfac (@Lily_Asongfac) lives in Buea, Cameroon, and became interested in accessibility through Local Guides Connect. She wishes to improve the accessibility of her home country, so she organizes meet-ups to add accessibility information on Google Maps and to educate business owners. Lily believes that the change she wants to see starts with her.
Why are you interested in accessibility?
My interest in adding accessibility information on Google Maps was piqued from frequently reading posts and recaps of accessibility meet-ups on Connect from some amazing Local Guides who inspired me throughout this journey. Every piece of information we share is important, but on a quest to do more and spread help to more people while trying to be inclusive, I decided to help in my own little way.
Is there a particular area in which you are interested in the most (wheelchair accessibility, vision accessibility, etc.)?
As much as I am interested in improving all of these areas, I have started with wheelchair accessibility.
Why are you passionate about accessibility information being shown on Google Maps?
Whenever I saw someone struggling with a wheelchair or their vision, I asked myself how I could support them in a way that they wouldnât need anyoneâs help to go around town, school, or work. When I learned that I could help by adding information on Google Maps, I didnât hesitate to start this journey. I suddenly found myself looking out the taxi window, and while walking around the streets, for the slightest accessibility aid I could find. Given that approximately 2% of the worldâs population relies on the use of wheelchairs to get around, it is vital that we include such information on Google Maps.
What have you done to help add accessibility information or generate visibility for accessibility information to/for Google Maps?
I take time to check facts and answer questions about accessibility, add reviews, and take pictures focusing on the accessibility features of a place.
I have organized meet-ups, one official, and another unofficial. Some volunteers joined me during the [official] meet-up to add places that have ramps. We took pictures of the ramps we found and wrote reviews highlighting that the place is wheelchair accessible. Given that we realized that very few places were accessible, we passed by again that street, this time talking to a few business owners.
What area (mobility, vision, hearing, etc.) are you most interested in improving?
For now, I am most interested in improving mobility. But as time evolves and I succeed to get more hands-on-deck, we will get involved with other areas of accessibility, too.
Whatâs your favorite Google Maps feature?
The satellite view, combined with Street View images, is my favorite feature. I find so much pleasure [in] exploring different parts of the world virtually as I havenât traveled out of my country yet. I check famous tourist places in a 360 view, which shows me the beauty of the place.
What do you wish other Local Guides knew about accessibility?
I wish my fellow Local Guides would realize that it doesnât require anything extra to contribute [accessibility] information. Just a little indication in a review we write or a photo we upload is very important to someone with a physical disability. If we could just type the words âWheelchair accessible,â it would make a lot of difference to anyone using wheels. Let us help manage the expectations of the people who rely on this information for their daily activities. Let us make them know they matter. You can make their day by helping them access somewhere they didnât know they could.
What one feature would you like to see on Google Maps?
I would like to [be able to] delete a photo I uploaded some time ago [without] having to go through thousands of photos. Deleting a photo directly from the place would be great to see.
Whatâs your tip for finding your passion through the Local Guides program?
Be open-minded to trying out new things if you happen to find them even slightly interesting. Read different posts on Connect by other Local Guides and Googlers, and if it is one that calls for action, do not hesitate to get involved. Shortlist a number of Local Guides who are currently involved in what you like, be it photography, supporting small businesses, or any other engagement, and follow their activity. Do not be shy to reach out to them privately, asking for mentorship or tips. These are some tips I use, and they work so well.
Are there any posts on Connect or meet-ups youâve hosted that help demonstrate your contributions around accessibility to Local Guides, Google Maps and your community?
Yes, here you can check out some of them: âOne Accessibility Cameroon, the way forward!â and â[Recap] Wheelchair Inclusive Buea.â
Is there anything else we should know about you?
I am a final year engineering student, aspiring to become a Satellite Engineer. Most Local Guides and my friends now refer to me as âAerospace Baby.ââ I have made so many Local Guides friends and have mentored many others to become Local Guides, too. I have learned how to use Google My Business, and I use this knowledge to train business owners on how to manage their business on Google Maps. I am also a Street View trusted photographer and a Road Mapper.
Are you passionate about making Maps more inclusive? Tell us how youâre making a positive impact in the comments below.
Accessibility awareness.
LGs Proud
. Good job, very passionate Local Guide! Keep doing the great work.
Thank you so much 
. Wishing you all the best with your accessible journey as well