In just a few months spring will be here and we'll be looking towards warmer weather and blue skies. This also means making vacation and travel plans. However, before finalizing any plans, check out Google's accessible travel navigation feature. With Google's updated maps feature, specifically designed to assist those with mobility limitations, traveling in a wheelchair doesn't have to be a nuisance. Continue reading to discover how these features can help mobility users easily identify wheelchair accessible routes, businesses, public transits, stair-free walking paths, and so much more!
What Are the Accessibility Features
In 2024, Google added five new features to its Maps application that includes identifying wheelchair accessible walking paths, stair-free navigation routes, more accessibility labels, a disability identity attribute for businesses, and a screen reader function for those with visual impairments.
The Benefits of Google’s Updated Accessibility Features
Although these features may not seem significant, they can be for someone struggling with mobility issues. Think of when an able-bodied person plans a trip. Often times the only concern is how long it will take to get there, will there be rest stops along the way, what’s the best route to take, and where to stay upon arrival. For those with mobility limitations those are not the only things they need to worry about. They must also consider if the best route is wheelchair accessible, or if the rest stop has an accessibility entrance and/or bathroom, and will the destination have accessibility accommodations. There’s nothing more frustrating than planning a trip only to find out the location isn’t accessible.
But now that Google has enabled more accessibility labels and identifies businesses who are either disability owned or disability driven, when researching destinations, mobility users can easily check Google Maps to see if that business identifies as a place that promotes accessibility needs.
For mobility users who rely on public transportation, Google Maps has also created a feature that allows them to easily see which routes and modes of transportation are accessible. This can be a game-changing feature because often times obstacles that prevent wheelchair access aren’t discovered until it’s too late. Being able to identify if a sidewalk is accessible or if stairs will be encountered along the way beforehand, can make for a better and more comfortable travel experience.
How to Use the Accessibility Features
There are a few different ways to enable the accessibility features on Google Maps. Under the settings menu enable ‘Accessible Places’ to always show wheelchair accessible places, or start navigating to a destination then click options and select wheelchair accessible routes.
To join the movement in promoting more accessibility places, Google has made it easy to submit feedback in the app as well as indicate whether a business, location, or transportation method is accessible.
