Meet Accessibility Champion, Kashif

[Ivi_Ge]

Caption: A photo of Local Guide Kashif Abdul Pazzaq holding a sign with the accessibility icon on it and wearing a shirt that says “Pakistan Local Guides.” (Courtesy of Local Guide @Kashifmisidia)

Local Guide Kashif Abdul Razzaq (@KashifMisidia), based in Karachi, Pakistan, reached Level 10 on Google Maps by answering nearly 40,000 questions, sharing thousands of photos, and adding hundreds of places. He also frequently shares very detailed reviews about the places he visits to help others understand what a place will be like before they get there.

One of the most helpful details Kashif includes in his reviews is about the accessibility of a place. This information makes life easier for people who use wheelchairs, walkers, and crutches as well as parents pushing strollers. In addition to his accessibility contributions on Maps, Kashif has participated in accessibility walks and shared his experiences on Connect.

We recently caught up with Kashif to learn more about his commitment to accessibility.

Why are you interested in accessibility? Is there a particular area in which you are interested in the most (wheelchair accessibility, vision accessibility, etc.)?

A few years back, my father fell severely ill before he passed away. During his last year, he was unable to move without using a wheelchair. Whenever he craved appetizing restaurant meals, the only option to fulfill that craving was to bring takeaways for him. He suffered this inconvenience due to his immobility and the inaccessibility of his all-time favorite restaurants.

I realized that so few places have accessible options. If somebody is unfortunately unable to walk, they suffer and miss the fun by being unable to go to their favorite places.

Why are you passionate about accessibility information being shown on Google Maps?

Whenever someone who uses a wheelchair wants to visit any place—a restaurant, market, shop, or park, for example—he or she should be able to know the accessibility information. If we add information about wheelchair accessible entrances, washrooms, elevators, and parking, it will be helpful for those people.

What have you done to help add accessibility information or generate visibility for accessibility information to/for Google Maps?

Since I'm a Google Local Guide and Local Guides Connect member, I always try to mention wheelchair accessibility information in my posts and in my reviews and pictures. I also add accessibility info when answering questions about the place.

What's your favorite Google Maps feature?

I like the Add missing places feature. I believe that once it’s added to the map, it will forever help people to discover and experience new places. I consider this something extraordinary.

What do you wish other Local Guides knew about accessibility?

I sincerely wish that all Local Guides could know about the importance of accessibility globally, but especially in my country. This is because there is less emphasis on this issue here. As Local Guides, we should consider it our duty to raise awareness, especially to staff and management of businesses or other places who do not have accessibility features.

Is there anything else we should know about you?

From a young age, volunteering was my favorite hobby. I got the chance to work with Kutiyana Memon Young Volunteers which gave me the opportunity to use my hobby and skills in a productive way, by connecting with my community and getting an experience and vast knowledge about the community services.

Are you an accessibility champion? Tell us how you’re making a positive impact in your community in the comments below.

[ErmesT]

I had the great opportunity to meet @KashifMisidia virtually before Connect Live '18, during an Hangout.

Sometime the life is not moving like we would like, and he didn't get the Visa. Many people would have abandoned, given up. For him this was a stimulus to do more, becoming one of the most active Local guides, sensitive to environmental issues and disability. For him, this has become an incentive to do more, to become an example for our community and for his country. Disability and Clean the world, how we can see on the photo, are now highlighted on every one of his meet-ups.

Well done my friend, you deserve this post, and more than this

Thank you @Ivi_Ge for letting the community to know about Kashif

Shukriya for being you

[Kol-Colleen_2018]

Thanks for creating this post @Ivi_Ge 

@KashifMisidia is right about giving everyone the opportunity to have fun and socialise.  

I usually include photos showing the exterior of the place to give others an idea of how accessible it is to those who need to travel around with a wheelchair or crutches.

I added that info when one of the Google team members posted a topic on Reviews and suggested that when reviewing a place, add information like accessibility for wheelchair users, whether the place has a Gluten free menu and information on allergies displayed.  I try to also get something simple and not too expensive as I too have to budget so I base my choices on the price and something that could be appealing to a vegetarian (sometimes).

👏👏👏

Kol

[Omomopson]

This look intimidating and at the same time encouraging to those of us that are still coming brhind. Well done brother for helping humanity through Google map

[MdAtikuzzamanLimon]

Thanks for the Accessibility Champion post @Ivi_Ge 

The story of @Kashifmisidia in Accessibility and Clean the World is really inspired me a lot. 

I hope new and existing Local Guides Members will get inspiration from. 

#LetsGuide

[KashifMisidia]

Thank you for the feature @Ivi_Ge , and everyone who support me through out the journey.

And I would like to say special thank you to my friends and mentors @IlankovanT , @EmekaUlor and #oneaccessibilityteam , @KarenVChin , @AIMAN_SAEED , my  brother @OmerAli ,  and Specially @ErmesT who is not just a friend, but a great teacher and mentor of mine.

And I m agree with you Ermes Toun, when my visa rejected, and finally I knew that I m not going for connect live 2018, it was very tough time for me. But because of you guys, who never let fall any one down, I motivated my self and did my small efforts for Accessibility and clean the world project.

Today this is honour for me to be featured at connect.

Shukriya 🙏 my friends,

Shukriya 🙏 Local Guides Connect,  Shukriya 🙏Google.

[Tula]

@KashifMisidia Bhai, congratulations for being a champion. I have had the chance to interact with you numerous times on hangouts before CL18 and you are a genuine and very helpful person, an inspiration to others for the commitment you have to the local guides program and the community in which you live. Keep it up!!

[siqbal]

I met Kashif misidia so many times in local guides meet ups and he is very generous and helpful fellow. I have ongratulations @KashifMisidia for being a champion. 

[siqbal]

I met Kashif misidia so many times in local guides meet ups and he is very generous and helpful fellow. Am proud that Kashif belongs to my city and my country. Congratulations @KashifMisidia for being a champion. 

[siqbal]

I met Kashif bhai so many times in local guides meet ups. He is very generous and helpful fellow. It's an honor that Kashif belongs to my city and my country. Congratulations @KashifMisidia for being a champion. You made us proud.