Unfortunately, not everything is accessible with a wheelchair. Fortunately, with Google Maps you can find wheelchair-friendly routes and look up information about the wheelchair accessibility of locations, so that you can get on the road without nasty surprises. iPhoned shows how it works.
Find wheelchair-friendly routes and locations via Google Maps
Unlike Apple Maps, Google Maps offers additional options for wheelchair users. Both for searching for a suitable route to travel with a wheelchair via public transport, as well as wheelchair accessibility at various locations, such as restaurants.
Finding a suitable route
In Google Maps you can make sure that the app takes a wheelchair into account when searching for a route. To do this, go through the following steps:
- Search for a destination via the search bar at the top of the screen;
- Press the ‘Route’ button and enter a starting point or keep ‘My location’ filled in;
- Choose public transport by pressing the icon of a tram;
- Then tap the three dots at the top right of the screen;
- Press ‘Route options’;
- Check ‘Wheelchair accessible’;
- Press the back arrow to view the travel options.
The app is fair in the fact that the information is not always correct. That is why Google Maps says with the recommended route: “Be careful, wheelchair accessible routes do not always correspond to the actual conditions.” This could be due to work, modifications to buses and the like. Still, the routes presented in this way by Google Maps give the best option.
Find wheelchair-friendly locations
Several locations that you can view via Google Maps contain information about wheelchair accessibility. To do this, search for a location, swipe up for more information, then tap More about this place or the descriptive terms below the contact buttons. If the information is available, it will say, for example, ‘Wheelchair-friendly entrance’ and ‘Wheelchair-accessible toilet’.
Unfortunately, it is only indicated here if the facilities are there, and not if they are not there. If the information is not there, you are not yet sure whether you can enter with a wheelchair, but the information has simply not been entered. Google is working to improve this.
In the Android app it is currently possible to add specific information about accessibility to companies and other locations. In this way, users make it clearer to other wheelchair users whether a location is an option. Unfortunately, the iOS app does not have this capability at the moment. Hopefully Google will add this feature for iOS users at a later date as well.
Download Google Maps
You can download the Google Maps app for free in the App Store via the button below.
Throughout the month, we pay extra attention to accessibility. Which options does Apple provide itself, which apps can you use and more. So keep an eye on iPhoned and sign up for our newsletter or download the iPhoned app to stay informed.
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