The 48th accessibility meetup was a huge success, thanks to the curiosity and questions asked by @Shrut19 and @Sagarkanherkar during a previous meetup.
Also, thanks to @NERKARAMIT and @Madankumarj who co-hosted the meetup in person.
This meetup was organized to educate local guides about accessibility features found on the streets.
The following attended the meetup in person.
- Mohit Koli
- Devesh More
- Shraddha
- Janhavi Pawar
- Ashwin Abhyankar
- Anannya Banerjee
- Nerkar Amit (co-Host)
- Madankumar Jadhav (co-Host)
- Tushar Suradkar (Host)
Local guides who attended online:
The LIVE demo included:
- Tactile Path on sidewalk footpaths in Pune.
- Accessible Bus Stop and Bus.
- Adding small businesses run by persons with disabilities PwD.
- Accessible ATM.
- Accessible Elevators.
Demo 1. Tactile Path
This was an explanation of the various parts of a tactile path and their meaning.
Demo 2. Accessible Bus Stop
We reviewed the adjacent bus stop, checked for availability of Ramps, etc.
Demo 3. Adding small businesses run by persons with disabilities PwD
We interviewed the owners of small businesses on Sus Road in Pune that were owned and operated by Persons with Disabilities or PwD.
We educated them about Google Maps and how people use it from the comfort of their homes to locate businesses nearby,
The PwD were very surprised to know that people no longer ride around town searching for small businesses.
The small business owners were also informed that we have added them to Maps.
Amit Nerkar demonstrated adding places to Google Maps LIVE Google Meetup by sharing his screen.
As a host in person and host of the Google meetup, I LIVE streamed the various shops owned by the PwD and also the accessibility features to online attendees.
Demo 4. Accessible ATM
I demonstrated using headphones or earphones with the 3.5 mm audio jack with an ATM.
And how the blind people use this feature.
Demo 5. Accessible Elevator Lifts
In a nearby building, I demonstrated an accessible elevator.
- Check if the elevator entrance is wide enough for a wheelchair.
- Check if there is enough space inside the elevator for a wheelchair.
- Check for Braille letters on elevator buttons.
At the end of the meetup, we gathered at Chef’s Craft Nation for cold drinks and snacks.
• Local guides were introduced to the Local Guides Connect website and its features,
• While enjoying the Mango and Strawberry shakes, local guides engaged in deep conversations about Google Maps, its features, tips, and tricks.
• Local guides were educated on aligning their interests with Photography, Travel, Food & Drinks, and Meetups on LG Connect.
Each attendee of the meetup also got a nice card which each one signed with an optional message and retained as a souvenir of the meetup.
Amit Nerkar stamped everyone’s wrist with the special Local Guides stamp 
Several local guides joined the meetup for the first time:
• Janhavi Pawar
• Shraddha
• Devesh
• Ashish Abhyankar
• Mohit Koli
Anannya, Nerkar Amit, and Madan Kumar Jadhav also attended the meetup in person.
**Also read recap of this meetup by @Madankumarj **
specially the way every key aspect has been covered and explained. Regret to miss the opportunity joining this.
