Earlier this week, we asked you to join us in adding wheelchair-accessibility information on Google Maps. Today, I’d like to suggest hosting an accessibility meet-up with fellow Local Guides. It’s a powerful—and fun!—way to make the world easier for everyone to navigate.
Organizing an accessibility meet-up is easy. It’s just like any other meet-up, but your focus will be sharing accessibility information. There are several ways to do this, so here are some useful tips:
Answer questions. Everyone at the meet-up can go to “Your contributions” in Google Maps, then tap “Answer questions about a place” to see questions about accessibility at places they’ve visited. It’s easy to answer these questions, and this guide can help. Consider printing it out for your attendees.
If you have an Android device, go on a mission. Your group can explore a neighborhood while adding wheelchair accessibility information to the places that need it most. Find places near you that are missing this info to share details.
Share photos. A picture really does speak volumes, especially if you’re trying to tell if a place is accessible. Try to get photos of features like entrances and stairs. People with wheelchairs or walkers will appreciate being able to see these things before they visit.
Add info to all kinds of places. People often share details about restaurants, but accessibility is important everywhere. Consider meeting at a museum, park, or beach to scope out features that are important for people with mobility issues.
Remember, this information benefits all kinds of people, not just those who use wheelchairs. Families with strollers, people with injuries, and anyone carrying luggage appreciates things like wide entrances, restrooms without stairs, and elevators.
Level 3+ Local Guides, ready to host a meet-up?
Submit your details to get started. Then, be sure to share your event on social using #LocalGuides and #a11y (the global hashtag for accessibility).
Woohoo!!!