Google Maps shows wheelchair accessibility support

The feature is not yet live for everyone but it will be arriving to all Android and iOS soon.

Google says that this feature is built from the data that is provided by the Local Guides volunteers. (Katie McBroom/Google Local Guides)

Google Maps has started showing a new accessibility feature, which when toggled on, will show you wheelchair accessibility info for whatever location you search for. The feature is not yet live for everyone but it will be arriving to all Android and iOS soon.

“When Accessible Places is switched on, a wheelchair icon will indicate an accessible entrance and you'll be able to see if a place has accessible seating, restrooms or parking,” says the blog post. “If it's confirmed that a place does not have an accessible entrance, we'll show that information on Maps as well.”

To check if this feature is showing up in your area or not, you can follow these simple steps:

-Open Google Maps app on Android or iOS.

-Tap on the profile picture.

-Tap on Settings.

-Tap on Accessibility Settings.

Wheelchair accessibility. (Katie McBroom/Google Local Guides)

Wheelchair accessibility. (Katie McBroom/Google Local Guides)

Google says that this feature is built from the data that is provided by the Local Guides volunteers. “Store owners have also helped, using Google My Business to add accessibility information for their business profiles to help users needing stair-free access find them on Google Maps and Search,” says the search giant.

Meanwhile, the firm has also updated the Google Maps interface for real-time location sharing. The update brings a more refined and cleaner look and feel to the feature. It is said to be more aligned with Material Design which has been Google's standard design language for its operating system and applications.

Spotted by Android Police, Google Maps shows a revamped floating button called "New Share". The button is followed by the name of the contact you're sharing the real-time location. There's also a battery indicator to help you ensure phone's battery doesn't drain due to the location sharing.