On this International Day of Persons with Disabilities, we want to introduce you to one Local Guide who uses every opportunity he gets to advocate for accessibility and inclusivity.
Meet Rahul (@Rahul001), a Local Guide from Trivandrum, India, a passionate contributor to Connect and Google Maps, and a member of the LGBTQ+ community.
Rahul likes to celebrate various national and international holidays, like the recent World Cerebral Palsy Day, International Espresso Day, and World Toilet Day, by sharing ideas on how to use Maps or contribute as a Local Guide to raise awareness or simply to enjoy the day. He also likes to organize and attend meet-ups in his city and across India, making meaningful connections and supporting great causes.
On all of these occasions, Rahul makes a point to promote accessibility, and he’s got a personal reason to do so. Read on to learn more about Rahul and how he champions accessibility on Google Maps.
Why are you interested in accessibility?
In my childhood, I had speech problems which made it difficult for me to talk for years. Until age 16, I couldn’t visit any shop because I couldn’t speak properly — somebody always had to come with me or I had to take a book with me everywhere. Most places didn’t have a printed menu or an online menu, so I needed help accessing them.
I understood in those years what some people with disabilities go through each day and the help they need in their daily life. Navigation and communication are two essential pillars, and removing one makes it difficult to carry out one’s daily activities.
Is there a particular area in which you are interested the most?
I am most interested in wheelchair accessibility, vision accessibility, and auditory accessibility.
Why are you passionate about accessibility information being shown on Google Maps?
As a Local Guide, I think everyone should have equal access to exploring and navigating places regardless of their abilities. It’s my social responsibility to contribute accessibility information on Google Maps.
How do you generate visibility for accessibility information on Google Maps?
Through reviews and by editing the features of businesses related to accessibility, such as wheelchair accessible entrance, wheelchair accessible restroom, and so on.
In my reviews, I write “Wheelchair Accessible” together with the 
emoji and a 
or 
depending on whether that type of accessibility is available. This method was initiated by @TravellerG and is very effective. All types of accessibility can be reviewed this way.
What is your favorite accessibility contribution on Maps?
It is a review I wrote for Kerala Arts & Crafts Village. What I liked about this place is that the whole compound is wheelchair and vision accessible, and they have restrooms with wheelchair accessible entrances.
Apart from championing accessibility, you’re also an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. Do you have a favorite accessible LGBTQ+ friendly place or business and why is it your favorite?
Beatles Cafe & Grill House is my favourite accessible LGBTQ+ friendly cafe. They also give jobs to the transgender community. Most of all, the view of the waves and the sea is stunning when you have your morning coffee.
What do you wish other Local Guides knew about accessibility?
Accessibility is a fundamental right, and we should include it in our daily contributions. I think my fellow Local Guides should explore the different types of accessibility features on Maps to be able to add accurate accessibility information.
How will you celebrate the International Day of Persons with Disabilities?
I will be doing a celebratory post on December 3rd. I plan to go to tourist destinations, shops, cafes, and restaurants in my city Trivandrum and update the accessibility information on Maps on December 2nd and share the results and what I saw in a Connect post.
Thank you for all you do, Rahul! Local Guides, do you include accessibility information in your contributions on Google Maps? Let us know below.
dear 
.