Google has Improved Accessibility Features and Added New Options

Google is constantly offering attractive and simple features to provide help people with disabilities. The search giant is making it simpler to discover if places in the community are approachable with the touch of a button. However, the company recently said it is releasing a feature called “Accessible Places”. The new feature enables Google Maps users to find if businesses are free of stairs and wheelchair accessible.

Meanwhile, Google actually announced the Accessible Places feature in the US, UK, Australia, and Japan in 2020. But the company recently said the feature is now available worldwide including details of at least 40 million locations. You can find this new option within ‘Accessibility Settings’ in the Google Maps app. Just turn on the appropriate feature in the settings page to view Accessible Places.

Users must enable this option to find a wheelchair icon showing on the business profile of locations with accessible entrances. Keep in mind that the icon will offer a strike-through to mention an inaccessible entry. However, you can also find if a location features parking, accessible seating, and restrooms. Google mentioned it has received at least one billion accessibility updates.

Accessibility Features to Add Business Profile Information

However, these updates are collected from the Google Maps community and business owners. The company said individual users can also add information to a business profile. They just need to click on “About”, select “Edit Features”, and tap on “Accessibility Features”. It is important that the UN established the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on December 3, 1992.

The key objective to celebrate this special day was to promote the well-being of people who have disabilities. Meanwhile, Google has emphasized accessibility-first design and directly associating with communities to make the most useful products. The search giant launched a few products and features this year with the major objective of becoming more accessible.

The following are efficient ways to use these tools but specifically aimed at people with disabilities.

An Essential Discussion is Stirring but Hard to Follow and You Urge Any Person Could Reproduce it in Real Time.

Users can obtain real-time transcripts of discussions even if they are in a different language.

You are Discussing about Weekend Plans with Friends but Experiencing Difficulty Hearing them.

Just download Sound Amplifier from the Google Play Store, open it, and get the audio boost.

You were Challenged to Play Chessback but Were Unable to Fully Experience the Game.

Go to Google Play and select the Blind-friendly filter.

Someone Handed you a Piece of Paper but Unable to Discover What is it.

You need to say “Hey Google, open Lookout” and uplift your phone on the paper surface. Wait for the AI-powered app to scan and read out the information.

You are in a New City and Need to Visit a Museum on Foot with Help Navigating Your Way.

Plug in your headphones if you’re in the US or Japan. Turn on Detailed Voice Guidance in the “Navigation” setting of Maps. It offers updates with a consistent assurance of the right route and your next turn.

You Need to Watch your Favorite Show but Don’t Know the Steps to Access it.

Google is working on the Action Blocks app to help you turn multiple operations into one customized icon on your smartphone. It would enable you to watch a show and perform other tasks after clicking on an image.

You Received a Video from your Friend but Were Unable to Hear the Audio.

Just touch the Live Caption icon near the volume control. Turn your phone into a personal and pocket-sized captioning system. Keep in mind the Live Caption option is currently added in Pixel 3 and Pixel 4.