With a subtle change, Google is making it more obvious to users whether businesses and other public places are accessible to people with disabilities.

The technology giant has updated Google Maps to display a wheelchair icon by default on a location’s entry if the place has a wheelchair-accessible entrance. Previously, this information was only visible to users who opted into a feature called Accessible Places.

“Now, we’re making the icon visible for everyone on Maps so you can ‘know before you go’ if there’s a step-free entrance, which is helpful whether you’re using a wheelchair, pushing a stroller or lugging a suitcase,” wrote Jerry Robinson, a user experience researcher at Google, in a posting.

Since 2020, Google Maps has offered information about physical accessibility at various locations and the company said these details are now available for more than 40 million businesses around the world. Information is based on contributions from business owners and other Google users.

The wheelchair icon signifies whether a location has an accessible entrance, but additional particulars about accessibility such as wheelchair-accessible seating, parking or restrooms can be viewed by clicking on the “about” tab.

In addition to the Google Maps update, the company said that it is testing Lookout, a new feature that uses artificial intelligence to provide image descriptions to help those with vision impairment. And, Google indicated that it is expanding the availability of Live Caption, which offers real-time captioning for any type of audio, among other accessibility improvements.

Read more stories like this one. Sign up for Disability Scoop's free email newsletter to get the latest developmental disability news sent straight to your inbox.