Hello family,
A few days ago, I wrote my very first article for Connect. The response I received was far beyond what I ever expected. The warm welcome from the Local Guides family truly overwhelmed me in the best possible way. It made me feel proud and genuinely happy to be part of this community.
It is because of the encouragement and courage you all gave me that today I am sharing my second article with you.
The inspiration for this post came from @EmekaUlor and @Ermest .
Emeka asked me an important question about the facilities available for visually impaired people at Gerhagen. That question made me realize how important this topic really is, and it became the foundation of today’s post. Ermes also mentioned me in his post, which is a big honor for someone new like me.
Bakery ’t Guedenshuys is a bakery in my city, Beringen. My family and I often buy cakes from there. Despite having two unpleasant experiences, which I also mentioned in my review, Google Maps it is still one of my favorite places overall. However, today I am not writing about what is inside the bakery, but about the surroundings and the outside environment.
After my last Connect post, when I visited this bakery again, I made a conscious effort to pay special attention not only to wheelchair accessibility, but also to facilities for visually impaired people. I made sure to highlight these in my Google Maps review and photos.
I strongly believe that visually impaired people, who use Google Maps through text to speech features, should know in advance what facilities are available at a place. This helps them visit independently, confidently, and with peace of mind. At this location, tactile paving is available to guide them.
Many people are already aware of this excellent facility, but I still wanted to explain it briefly. Just like I myself had not paid much attention to it earlier, Emeka’s question made me think more deeply about it. I hope this helps other readers too, especially those who may not have noticed or highlighted this feature on Google Maps before.
Tactile Paving or Tactile Ground Surface Indicators:
Tactile paving is an important accessibility feature designed to help people with visual impairments move safely in public spaces. These textured surfaces, commonly found on sidewalks, stairs, and crossings, provide guidance through touch, either via feet or a white cane. There are mainly two types. Warning patterns alert users to hazards such as road crossings. Directional patterns guide users along a safe path. It is a quiet yet powerful way to make our cities safer and more inclusive for everyone.
Once again, I sincerely thank the entire community for such a warm welcome and for motivating me so much. I truly hope that together we will continue to highlight wheelchair accessibility and all facilities for differently abled people on Google Maps. This will also inspire new members like me to contribute more confidently.
Thank you.
Hi @MortenCopenhagen,
Thank you for your observation! You are right, currently, there isn’t a specific feature or category on Google Maps to ‘add’ tactile paving directly.
My title might have been a bit broad, but what I specifically meant was adding information about it through reviews and photos.
I strongly believe that when we mention tactile paving in our reviews, visually impaired users, who rely on screen readers (text-to-speech), can benefit from this information before they even arrive at the location.
I have also come across some older posts about accessibility here on Connect that highlighted how helpful this kind of information can be.
Since I am still in the learning phase, I may have phrased it imperfectly, and I am always open to correcting any misunderstandings.
I would also love to hear the thoughts of @EmekaUlor and @Ermest on this, as their work is a great inspiration to me.
Thank you again for your feedback and for helping me improve!"
Wow! There we go!!
I am really happy to read this post and feedback. Great to know there are tactile pavements around you and of course, there could be more accessible features for hearing aid.
Glad to read this from you. Keep guiding
And, I want to say Nothing is Impossible. If we get to see more tactiles, Google may decide to make it a feature to add to Maps?
@Katarina_Cibikova you check out the resources we have compiled over the years to help Local Guides understand many aspects of disability, accessibility and inclusion.
Thanks for sharing this @Katarina_Cibikova . Tactile paving is one of those details people often miss, but for many users it’s essential for moving around independently.
Even though Maps doesn’t have a specific option for it yet, showing it through clear photos and simple descriptions still helps people plan better. Posts like this are a good reminder to look beyond the obvious and document what’s actually on the ground.
Nicely explained post on tactile paving ground surface indicators, @Katarina_Cibikova. I personally follow this practice by mentioning it in my reviews and/or adding photo updates with captions for the location.
I think this is an innovative post which lighten a huge opportunity for Google maps to introduce a completely new feature. e.g Access to the doorstep of location for visually impaired community through audio direction from roads to pavements.
@MortenCopenhagen - I know many accessibility champions like @KashifMisidia who are putting lots of efforts to improve Google maps for accessibility.
Hi @Katarina_cibikova Thanks for this great idea. They can optimize routes and provide directions verbally, like the voice prompts at traffic lights. This way, they’ll become avid map users and easily reach all the places they want to go.
Great explanation of tactile paving and its purpose. Accessibility features like these are essential for inclusive cities, and awareness helps ensure they are properly implemented and maintained. Well shared @Katarina_Cibikova .
You are sharing helpful information and rising very important discussion about new accessibly features on Google Maps and how to help people who are definitely need this information.
This is a brilliant post, @Katarina_Cibikova .
I completely agree with you that the Text-to-Speech feature on Google Maps is incredibly helpful for visually impaired individuals to listen to reviews. Of course, your guidance regarding wheelchair accessibility and facilities for the visually impaired in those reviews can be extremely beneficial. I have read your previous posts and reviewed your Google Maps contributions; I must say, I agree with my friend @JaneBurunina ,you are doing fantastic work that will benefit millions of people.
During my last visit to Mauritius, I also added Tactile paving information at several locations while exploring with my dear friend @SwetaDhondoo .
Very good post on accessibility @Katarina_Cibikova we all giving importance for adding such features in Maps. I know till now we were mentioning about Tactile paving in our reviews only in Maps. I am happy that your post initiated a discussion for improvising Maps. Let’s work together.
Absolutely @ALG87 , The support within this community is what makes it so special. I’m glad you found the topic important, together, we can make the world more accessible for everyone
I love your “Nothing is Impossible” mindset. You’re right, if we keep highlighting these features, maybe one day they’ll become a standard part of the Maps interface.
Let’s keep pushing for a more inclusive world together!
You’re absolutely right @AnshukMitra , It’s often the ‘invisible’ details that make the biggest difference for someone else’s independence.
I’m glad you agree that even through photos and descriptions, we can bridge the gap and help people plan their journeys better. Every small detail we document counts toward a more accessible world.
