Penny Christie (@PennyChristie ), a Local Guide Level 9 from Sydney, Australia, has been passionate about accessibility from a young age. She’s part of the #OneAccessibility team and she finds Google Maps to be one of the most useful apps.
We caught up with Penny to learn more about her experience adding accessibility information to Maps.
Why are you interested in accessibility?
When I was in high school, a new boy joined my art class and I noticed he had hearing aids. He informed me that he has been attending the school right from the beginning when I started. There was a hidden section of the school for hearing impaired children. After four years as a student, I had no idea it was even there. I became friends with the boy, who was partially deaf, and he told me that the school would integrate them into some of the mainstream classes during their senior years. I wanted to learn more, so I did a lot of research and wrote a huge assignment on the subject. Since then, I have always been on the lookout for accessible places and features everywhere I go. It opened my eyes and made me want to bring disability out of the shadows. Google Maps is the perfect tool for this.
What have you done to help add accessibility information or generate visibility for accessibility information to/for Google Maps?
When I am writing reviews on Google Maps, I make sure I have gathered as much accessibility information as I can about the places I visit. I take lots of photos of the place, inside and out. I check to see if there are ramps or elevators and I check for signs that might include braille or information on hearing loops.
What area (mobility, vision, hearing, etc.) are you most interested in improving?
I would really like to see all areas of accessibility improved. They are all as important as each other. I am super happy when I see ramps in unexpected places. My home town, Sydney, hosts a lot of outdoor events that involve walking through different spaces and exhibits. One of these annual events is called Vivid. Vivid is a nighttime spectacular when Sydney is lit up in the most amazing way through light and sounds. This year, I noticed ramps placed throughout the exhibition making it more accessible for those in wheelchairs.
What do you wish other Local Guides knew about accessibility?
I wish other Local Guides would be more aware of the accessibility features in the places they visit and mention them in their reviews. These small details might make a huge difference in another person’s life.
What’s your tip for finding your passion through the Local Guides program?
Connect with other Local Guides on Connect and see what interests you. Join in on the conversation and you never know where it may lead.
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?
I have posted a few articles on Connect about accessibility in my community and other countries I have visited. Here are some of those posts:
- Accessibility Uncovered: Travel Guide Special Disability Edition Sydney Australia
- Accessibility Uncovered: Australia’s Accessibility Law
- Accessibility Uncovered: Fitting Rooms
I have also hosted some Local Guides Meet-ups in Sydney, including a World Accessibility Walk.
Are you passionate about making Maps more inclusive? Tell us how you’re making a positive impact in the comments below.
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