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Former Google Contributor

Wheelchair attributes and a thank you note

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Hello everyone!

 

My name is Rio and I’m a product manager at Google working on Accessibility projects within Maps. I help lead the various projects and teams that bring both awareness and new features around accessibility to our users. I am so thrilled to be part of the Local Guides community.

 

I’m also really excited to share with you an update about wheelchair accessible attributes within Google Maps. As you know, in 2016 we began asking for your help answering questions about whether or not someone in a wheelchair could enter a building, or park, or sit, or go inside an elevator. We also posted tips on how best to answer those questions. Now, that information you provided is something we can confidently share within Google Maps for the whole world to use.

 

So I wanted to really say one thing: thank you. Thank you for going out of your way to make Local Guides the community it is today. Thank you for answering the questions that make an impact on the way the world finds and experiences the businesses and places around them. Thank you.


I look forward to sharing more, and hearing from you, in the coming days, weeks and throughout 2017.

 

 

 

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26 comments
Former Google Contributor

Re: Wheelchair attributes and a thank you note

Woohoo! Cheers to making the map helpful to everyone! Thanks @RioAkasaka 🙂

Googler

Re: Wheelchair attributes and a thank you note

Ditto to what @Corrie said! Thanks for your work on accessibility projects, @RioAkasaka! I love contributing accessibility information alongside other Local Guides on Google Maps and look forward to doing even more so in 2017. 

 

One thing that has been eye-opening to me since these questions have been asked on Google Maps is that so many places may have a wheelchair-accessible entrance or seating but the bathroom is down a flight of stairs! Can you imagine going to a lovely meal with friends but not being able to use the restroom? Ugh! I am so happy this information will help people to make decisions that will make their lives easier and hope it encourages places to become more and more accessible. 


Note: Due to the volume of private messages Googlers receive, I do not read or respond to private messages. Please post publicly so others may benefit from your discussion. If you require urgent assistance, please tag a Google Moderator. Thank you!.
Level 10

Re: Wheelchair attributes and a thank you note

Thanks @RioAkasaka it's really nice to see that there are so few steps between our thoughts and people in charge of the program!!!!

Level 9

Re: Wheelchair attributes and a thank you note

@RioAkasaka accessibility is important and thanks for your hard work on this.

Level 9

Re: Wheelchair attributes and a thank you note

Thank you @RioAkasaka for your amazing work on accessibility projects in Google maps. Apart from hospitals and clinics such accessibility feature was not so popular in India but after having this question on maps I know some business owners already started this feature (Wheelchair facility) at their places. 
I being a child heart specialist always support for accessibility features. I hope some day Google maps will enable features like for deaf/low hearing, low vision users.

Local Hero: Mapping Calcutta’s Hospitals | Instagram | Facebook| Twitter | YouTube | LGSummit16, LGSummit17, SVT18 alumnus
Former Google Contributor

Re: Wheelchair attributes and a thank you note

You're right, accessibility is not just about mobility, and we're always looking to improve our products for all accessibility needs. As it happens, Maps has a great opportunity to make a difference in the real world for all users, and I'm excited that mobility is one space that Maps is uniquely able to make a difference among Google products. But stay tuned!

Level 8

Re: Wheelchair attributes and a thank you note

Thanks for adding such type of feature that can help many disability people

Google Map for every one in the World.

 

Connect Moderator

Re: Wheelchair attributes and a thank you note

@RioAkasaka Thanks For your Talking with us about Wheelchaiauir accessibility Improvments.. 

We also know that @TraciC or @Corrie Discussed with us Befor  about Wheelchair accessiblity or other Answering Question on maps And Which question  will be best for all. 

Yes all Of yours Discussion is Successful or Its Help millions Of people to take their decision On maps.... 

So I want to give thanks again to my LG team or Our Moderators for this Such kinds of Improvement on maps.

Anonymous
Not applicable

Re: Wheelchair attributes and a thank you note

It is great information to have. Not only for those in wheelchairs, but those of us with injured legs that have issues getting around some days.

 

@TraciC I run into the downstairs bathroom issue a LOT in London. Some of them are a couple of flights down, down a corridor then through a maze of doors, low ceilings, and more stairs.