Google Maps Accessible Places image

A new Google Maps feature is allowing wheelchair users to easily find out whether a location is wheelchair accessible before they leave their homes.

The Accessible Places feature has been launched in Google Maps as part of Google’s drive to build a better, more helpful map for everyone, which includes recent efforts to help people find accessible places, transit routes and walking directions.

Wheelchair users can now turn on the Accessible Places feature to have wheelchair accessibility information more prominently displayed in Google Maps. When Accessible Places is switched on, a wheelchair icon will indicate an accessible entrance and individuals can also see if the location has accessible seating, bathrooms and parking.

If the location does not have an accessible entrance, Google Maps will also share this information.

Google Maps now has wheelchair accessibility information for over 15 million places globally, with the help of people and store owners across the globe who have shared accessibility information with Google to help create the Accessible Places feature.

To find out how to turn on Accessible Places, watch this short video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-oWsAMwJ-ks

Accessible Places is initially being rolled out for Google Maps users in the UK, United States, Australia and Japan, with support for additional countries to come in the near future.

The feature is available on both Android and iOS devices.

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