This Global Accessibility Awareness Month, we’re happy to introduce @MahabubMunna, a prominent Local Guide from Dhaka, Bangladesh. Mahabub has been part of the Local Guides program from its very beginning 10 years ago. Right from the start, he focused on building a community that would come together to exchange ideas and experiences, improve Google Maps data in the area based on local expertise, and support important social causes.
One of these causes is accessibility. Over the years, Mahabub has contributed accessibility information on Google Maps and promoted equal access in his local community through a variety of initiatives, such as marking accessible buildings with stickers, hosting meet-ups, and providing wheelchairs to those in need.
Here’s what Mahabub shared about his motivation to map and support accessibility on- and offline.
Why are you interested in accessibility?
Growing up in Bangladesh, I saw how difficult life was for people with disabilities. In the past, accessibility was almost nonexistent; those with low income often stayed home their entire lives, while only the wealthy could afford mobility solutions.
Since around 2014–15, things have improved. Assistive devices like wheelchairs, navigation aids for the blind, and smartphones have become more affordable and widely used. Still, people with disabilities often don’t know which places are truly accessible beyond hospitals. Public spaces like parks and malls are rarely designed with them in mind, and many of us overlook their needs unless we’re directly affected.
My perspective changed further during my first visit to the USA in 2016, especially at Google I/O, where accessibility was clearly a priority. That experience inspired me to bring similar awareness and action to my own community. I believe accessibility should be a shared responsibility, and I’m passionate about helping create a more inclusive world.
What inspired you to start contributing accessibility information on Google Maps?
In the early days of the Bangladesh Local Guides community, we used stickers to mark whether places—like schools, banks, or businesses—were accessible by wheelchair. However, during one of our offline meet-ups, a wheelchair user who was also an IT freelancer shared valuable feedback. He explained that simply adding stickers wasn’t enough. Instead, he suggested including accessibility details in Google Maps reviews or social media posts, so that others using smartphones could plan ahead before visiting a place.
His perspective made a strong impression on me. Since then, I’ve made it a habit to include accessibility information in my reviews, mentioning whether a location is wheelchair-friendly and sharing details that might help others navigate the space.
How do you help make accessibility information more visible on Google Maps?
I clearly mention whether a place is wheelchair accessible in my review, often using the wheelchair icon 
to help it stand out. When possible, I also include a short paragraph at the end that highlights accessibility features, offering more context for those who need it.
Additionally, I make sure to respond to the accessibility-related pop-up questions that appear after visiting a location, helping Google improve its data for all users.
What is your favorite accessibility contribution on Google Maps?
I find that restaurants and shopping malls are some of the most important places to contribute accessibility information. These are common destinations for families, and if accessibility is lacking, people with mobility challenges, such as a sick or elderly family member, might be left behind. By reviewing these places and noting their accessibility features, I help others make informed decisions. If someone sees that a location is wheelchair accessible, it can encourage them to visit confidently. For me, this is a meaningful way of offering digital support to others.
Are there any posts on Connect that help demonstrate your contributions around accessibility to Local Guides, Google Maps, and your community?
Every year during Ramadan, our Bangladesh Local Guides community organizes a charity event called “Inspiring Ramadan.”
In one particular year, we decided to focus on accessibility and asked members to identify individuals in need. We learned about a teenager living in a remote area who had been confined indoors for most of his life because his family couldn’t afford a wheelchair. With donations from our community, we were able to buy him a high-quality wheelchair. For the first time in six years, he was able to go outside and explore his surroundings.
What do you wish others knew about accessibility on Google Maps?
I believe contributions on Google Maps, especially related to accessibility, should not be made just because someone else asked. Accessibility features vary greatly depending on the location—what’s available in a city might not exist in a village, and facilities in one country may be very different from those in another. It’s important that contributions reflect real, firsthand experiences so they genuinely help those who rely on accurate accessibility information.
Thank you for all you do, Mahabub! Local Guides, do you include accessibility information in your contributions on Google Maps? Let us know below.
. You deserves it and can be visible in recent meetups you conducted. Thank you 
