Local Guide Md Shafiul Bashar (@ShafiulB) wants to help people with disabilities and influence the development of more accessibility features in his area through Google Maps and the Local Guides program. He’s a social worker from Cumilla, Bangladesh, who’s currently living in Dhaka. Shafiul has submitted two accessibility ideas in the Idea Exchange about including a question about breastfeeding corners on Google Maps, as well as adding a new breastfeeding corner category. He’s actively organising accessibility meet-ups, too, with his next meet-up coming up on November 30, 2019!
We got in touch with Shafiul to learn more about his efforts to map accessibility information and make his area more inclusive.
Why are you interested in accessibility?
Accessibility is an important part of our society. After getting encouragement from the Local Guides Team on Connect, I felt stimulated to start mapping accessibility [features] in my country. I believe that it could help the community of people with disabilities find trouble-free paths.
Why are you passionate about accessibility information being shown on
Google Maps?
Google Maps is the only trusted and widely used map in the world. Every kind of person uses it and relies on it. Thanks to its accessibility features, differently abled people who use Maps can easily travel everywhere. That’s why, as a volunteer and social worker, I am very passionate about adding accessibility information on Google Maps.
What have you done to help add accessibility information or generate visibility for accessibility information to/for Google Maps?
I frequently answer accessibility questions on Maps after visiting a place. Checking for accessibility features, women- and children-friendly zones, as well as taking photos of these is something I pay special attention to as a Local Guide. I organized several accessibility meet-ups in Bangladesh to [check if] government buildings and public places are wheelchair accessible. I believe that spreading awareness is the best way to improve accessibility facilities in our country. Here are some of the successful accessibility meet-ups which I have hosted and attended.
- Let’s Map Accessibility
- Map Accessibility Mymensingh
- Map Accessibility Cumilla, part 2
- Map Accessibility Joypurhat
By organizing these meet-ups and campaigns, we try our best to spread the word about the accessibility features of Google Maps and raise awareness about the rights of people with disabilities.
What area (mobility, vision, hearing, etc.) are you most interested in improving?
I am interested in improving every area, but improving wheelchair accessibility would be the [one I’m interested in the most]. It would allow people in wheelchairs to [more easily] join us in various activities.
What’s your favorite Google Maps feature?
I have more than one favorite Google Maps features, but my number one is the Street View feature.
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?
Yes; the post “What I specially care most Sharing on Maps?” demonstrates my contributions towards accessibility, together with the “Let’s Map Accessibility” project.
Are you passionate about making Maps more inclusive? Tell us how you’re making a positive impact in the comments below.