Local Guide Zuhra Lucie ( @Zuhralc ) lives in Nairobi, Kenya, and is interested in vision accessibility. As part of the One Accessibility Initiative, Zuhra is an accessibility advocate who regularly hosts and takes part in virtual and physical meet-ups. She wishes to spread awareness about this topic in her city and country.
Here’s what Zuhra shared about her accessibility efforts on Connect, Google Maps, and in her community.
Why are you interested in accessibility?
I am interested in accessibility [because I believe] that the place of our brothers and sisters with disabilities should not be just at home or in charity places, [and] that they have all rights to make a difference in the community through their talents, skills, and experiences. When I joined the Local Guides program (first on Google Maps and then on Connect), I realized that’s the place where I can learn and share my passion for helping people with different abilities.
Day by day, I learn more, and my love for this community increases. My first introduction to accessibility was by @KashifMisidia . He taught me the right way to contribute and provided me with presentations and videos by him and @JaneBurunina , which were so helpful, they increased my passion for accessibility contributions.
Is there a particular area in which you are interested the most (wheelchair accessibility, vision accessibility, etc.)?
I am most interested in vision accessibility because more attention is needed to [contribute for] a person who is visually impaired, and more can be done to help them get access to education and be recognized through their skill.
Why are you passionate about accessibility information being shown on Google Maps?
Many things are changing, and technology is at a peak. Everything is turning digital, so it wouldn’t be fair if information that helps others get access to different services and products is not found on Google Maps, [since] it is one of the best navigation apps right now. So I consider it the best way to contribute accessibility [information] and help thousands in my community. Usually, people don’t go alone somewhere, but with their families or friends, so it’s important to convey this information to all.
What have you done to help add accessibility information or generate visibility for accessibility information on Google Maps?
I do that by adding photos and writing reviews of both accessible and partially accessible places. I especially love to write reviews in a checklist-style with emojis of accessibility because it’s more attractive and visible for readers.
Whenever I add new businesses on Google Maps, I try to talk to the owners about how important it is to let people know through Google Maps how friendly their places are for people with disabilities.
Do you have a favorite accessibility contribution on Google Maps?
My favorite contribution is uploading photos of ramps or non-accessible places because, sometimes, people first click on photos to see the place and the ambiance. I love to write detailed reviews, too, with accessibility-related information, like my reviews of Carrefour Junction, Rubis Sabaki, and NAIVAS Supermarket - Utawala.
What are your goals as an accessibility advocate?
Recently, I’ve connected with the best people, the One Accessibility Initiative, and I’m trying to learn quickly about how I can be helpful to the people with disabilities in my limited activities.
As a Local Guide, [my goals are to] try and cover a maximum of places in my area or [in the areas] I visit and add accessibility information. Right after becoming a Local Guide, I made a Google Maps list of accessible parks in Mombasa and accessible parks in Nairobi and shared them with many of my friends here.
In my future Connect posts, I will try to share experiences with accessibility from my country because a single person cannot do much, but can create awareness and motivate people to join accessibility campaigns.
In my daily routine, whenever I meet a business owner, I will try to convince them to provide facilities for people with disabilities. That will not only be good for the people, but also for the business, as the [owners] will not miss a single customer because of inaccessibility.
What’s your favorite Google Maps feature?
My most favorite feature on Google Maps is adding new businesses. With this feature, I believe I can help more people in my community who have small businesses.
What one feature would you like to see on Google Maps?
I would be happy if there would be a comment section under every review. [This way], we can educate [reviewers] on what they should add in their review to make it more helpful to others.
What do you wish other Local Guides knew about accessibility?
I truly wish that all Local Guides could know about the significance of accessibility globally, but particularly in my city. That is because there is less emphasis on this issue here. As Local Guides, we should consider it our duty to raise our voice for knowledge, mainly to owners, staff, and management of businesses or other places which don’t have accessibility features.
What’s your tip for finding your passion through the Local Guides program?
If you have a passion for anything, be ready to learn, listen, and practice because practice will make you perfect.
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?
- “Recap: Supporting Small Businesses & Accessibility Walk In Nairobi”
- “Support Small Businesses &
Accessibility Walk at Ngong Road Nairobi” - “Recap : Map Editing/Photo Walk to Support Small Businesses - Mihang’o Nairobi”
- “The year of Accessibility - 2021 - My Goals”
Is there anything else we should know about you?
I am a simple person who would make those around me smile by any means.
Are you or someone you know an Accessibility Champion? Tell us how you’re making a positive impact in the comments below or nominate another Local Guide using our nomination form.
. You deserve this recognition.
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for the feature 
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