What is Inclusiveness or Inclusivity to a Local Guide? We often hear about “inclusive” when we talk about writing valuable reviews and contributing valuable information to Google Maps. For me, inclusive means information I provide or contribute to help other users or local guides equally & ensuring contributions made to a place is accessible and welcomes a diverse range of people regardless of their culture, background or needs.
Not just Accessibility, an inclusive way of contributing expands to wider aspects such as Kid Friendliness, Age Friendly, Family friendly, LGBTQ+ Friendly, Dietary options, etc..
Practice I follow to include Inclusivity in my contributions.
Accessibility - first contribution that comes to our mind that point to Inclusiveness. I try to include these in reviews or take photos : wheelchair accessible ramp & entrance , accessible bathrooms or having a quiet atmosphere. Accessibility is not just physical access but also having comfort & utility.
Food choices & Dietary options - Not just for Non vegetarian & vegetarians, we can also contribute various food choices & dietary options through reviews or “edit features” in about sections of a business - vegan, gluten-free, halal etc..
Crowd - specific inclusive attributes we can contribute on Google Maps - LGBTQ+ friendly, Family friendly, Kid Friendliness & Pet Friendliness .
Facility provided - facility provided by a business can be point to inclusive and we can contribute towards in our reviews - gender neutral bathrooms , Indoor & outdoor seatings , Solo & good for working on laptops , wifi provided & parking space .
Google Maps is an inclusive platform and has a lot of features that supports Inclusiveness. I tend to include most ones that focus or point as Inclusive features above.
We local guides also support Inclusivity through Initiatives & Challenges - Mainly support small businesses which don’t have any barrier or margin of any gender, backgrounds or identity.
Share your insights on how you think we can make Google Maps more inclusive through our contributions.
An important and a very necessary post @Rahul001 … A review that we leave of a place should be about trying to paint a full picture so anyone, no matter their background or needs, can decide if it is a right place for them…
Well said @Rahul001 . You have given a wonderful explanation for inclusive Local Guide. Add my point too. We must write reviews which makes the businesses sustain. According to me when giving a review a mention about the customer friendly staff will add more value, in turn helps to sustain and mprove businesses.
Discription:-I think and understand that this photo is an inclusive toilet and a universal toilet that is friendly to all age groups. And if you see my review on Google Maps, you will understand that this is a completely universal toilet for accessible for everyone (safe for all age group)
Google Maps link. My Review For Kidzaniya Noida
Thank you @shaileno for your valuable comment and words. Photos looks informative with unisex, family friendly & wheelchair accessible bathroom. Not with just age groups, gender neutral is also a part of Inclusiveness.
Anyway Thanks @Rahul001
As far as I know,unisex (universal) toilets are safe for all age groups and are LGBT friendly. And if you see my review, you will see in the photos as well that there are separate toilets for all genders and the design of the utility area is safe and accessible for all.
Awareness is everything.
We can also consider veteran-owned businesses, women-owned businesses, specially-abled-owned businesses, specially-abled-serving staff, etc., in terms of inclusivity in Google Maps. In some countries, Black-owned businesses, as well as those that support LGBTQ+ rights, are also considered inclusive.
Dear @Rahul001 Your contribution to inclusivity to Google Maps and Local Guides Community has been immense and helpful for so many people. Congratulations on this amazing post on an immersive topic.
For me Inclusivity means that each and every person from all around the planet should have access to the resources which are provided by nature and respective governments. No one should be left out just because of their caste, creed, religion, age, sex, disability. The theme of Inclusivity literally means 'One Planet One Family ’
Nice thoughts, inclusive or inclusivity for me would be spread awareness about a place which is kids and family friendly also giving space to individuals it has a information where all enjoy their time.
Absolutely. I totally agree @Rahul001
Inclusivity is almost equal to accessibility—it’s about welcoming all, from dietary needs to LGBTQ+ friendliness. Highlight cultural tips, sensory-friendly spots, diverse ownership, and use respectful language. I focus on key features like ramps, family-friendliness, and dietary options when contributing.