Meet Accessibility Champion, Alpha

[TsekoV]

Caption: A photo of Alpha on a boat and an illustration with the words ‘Alpha’ inside a blue frame with accessibility symbols.

Local Guide Alpha (@AlphaSays) was a 2020 Guiding Star, and he continues to light the way for those passionate about accessibility and inclusivity. Originally from The Gambia but living in Famagusta, Cyprus, Alpha has taken the opportunity to organize accessibility meet-ups in both countries. His favorite part of being a Local Guide on Google Maps is the ability to contribute to a good cause and make a difference. 

Alpha is also a foodie and a tech and media enthusiast – from his YouTube channel, Alpha Says, to a stint he had as a DJ on Connect during the pandemic. When he's not sharing on Google Maps, you can find him leading the youth in schools and community clubs, supporting start-up businesses, and volunteering with non-profit organizations advocating for human rights, gender equality, and mental health awareness. He’s currently an intern at The Gambian Embassy in Ankara, Turkey.

We recently caught up with Alpha to learn more about what motivates him to advocate for accessibility on the map and beyond.

Caption: A photo of Local Guide Maimuna Jabbie (left), Ramatoulie from the Gambia Federation of The Disabled (middle), and Alpha (right) at The Village shopping center in Senegambia, The Gambia, testing the new wheelchair ramps and putting accessibility stickers on the various restaurants. (Courtesy of Local Guide @Alffiiy)

Why are you interested in accessibility? 

I have been a first-hand witness to discrimination against friends and strangers who use wheelchairs. It breaks my heart every time. I cannot imagine the number of people going through this, and I have a burning desire to contribute as much as I can to make them feel included. I believe in accessibility and that awareness of accessibility would make my community a better place.

Is there a particular area in which you are interested the most (wheelchair accessibility, vision accessibility, etc.)? 

I am interested in all forms of accessibility, but I am able to actively contribute to wheelchair accessibility the most.

What have you done to help add accessibility information or generate visibility for accessibility information on Google Maps? 

I have added accessibility information to all my reviews from the past four years. I have created lists of upscale accessible restaurants and clothing stores in Famagusta and of accessible restaurants in The Village shopping center in Senegambia, The Gambia. I have also hosted meet-ups to update accessibility information on Google Maps and educate Local Guides about it. 

Do you have a favorite Google Maps contribution that you’ve shared?

My review of Luna Lounge holds a special place in my heart. I hosted the first physical meet-up in The Gambia there, which I will forever be proud of. Luna Lounge was also the first restaurant I ate at after being away from home for almost two years.

Caption: A photo of Local Guides Ryad from Libya, Daniel and Kehinde from Nigeria, and Alpha (from left to right) during their first accessibility meet-up at the City Mall in Famagusta, Cyprus. (Courtesy of Local Guide @Alffiiy)

Are there any posts on Connect or meet-ups you've hosted that help demonstrate your contributions around accessibility to Local Guides, Google Maps, and your community? 

I hosted a City Mall accessibility hybrid meet-up in Famagusta, a food crawl and accessibility meet-up in The Gambia, and a peer learning and “Focusing on the Big Picture” virtual meet-ups. I also co-hosted the Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) 2022 meet-up and have contributed to many accessibility meet-ups by other Local Guides. 

What do you wish other Local Guides knew about accessibility? 

Accessibility should be beyond contributing on Maps or hosting accessibility meet-ups. It should include educating others about accessibility, connecting with people with disabilities, sharing accessibility tools that could make their life easier, and bringing them into the program to help others because I can never fully understand some of the challenges they face. It is important that Local Guides know that joining this campaign improves universal accessibility.

What's your tip for finding your passion through the Local Guides program? 

Read, read, read! It’s always beautiful to connect with other incredible Local Guides and learn new things from them and Connect.

Thank you, Alpha! Local Guides, have you participated in any of Alpha’s accessibility meet-ups? Let us know below.

[NareshDarji]

Well recognized, Congratulations @AlphaSays 

Thanks, @TsekoV for sharing this post with us. 

[KashifMisidia]

Many congratulations to @AlphaSays for such a great title, I still remember your wonderful participation in Accessibility meet-up which was hosted by me & @JaneBurunina a year ago.

Thank you @TsekoV for such a great post 🙏

[WasimAhmed]

Congratulations and best wishes to you

[SholaIB]

Thank you @TsekoV 

It's always nice to know exceptional local guides like @AlphaSays is being recognised. Congratulations and keep up the good works.

Cheers 

[KamalHossenR]

Dear @AlphaSays Congratulations 🎊

Hi @TsekoV Nice to see you after a long time with a great post. 

Thank you so much for featuring him with us & highlighting his activities. 

[Tushar_Suradkar]

Congratulations on the recognition @AlphaSays 🤝

Your meetups and contribution to accessibility checks in The Gambia and elsewhere are commendable and inspiring at the same time.

[Sagir]

Well deserved recognition @TsekoV 

Congratulations @AlphaSays keep doing great my brother.

@EmekaUlor see +1 to #OneAccessibility family 

[AlphaSays]

Thank you so much @NareshDarji much appreciated 

[AlphaSays]

Thank you so much @KashifMisidia I have learned so much about accessibility from you all. Yes, I can clearly remember that accessibility meetup, such wonderful memories.