What It's Like to Navigate Chicago in a Wheelchair - Rolling On, Ep. 1

When she was 20, Michele Lee suffered a car accident. Follow along to see how she now explores downtown Chicago in a wheelchair. Go to g.co/LGa11y and find out how Local Guides can make a difference in people's lives by sharing accessibility information on Google Maps.
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[@KamenKunchev]

I participate in Local Guides every chance I get and every time I visit a new place. This is a great way to help people. I am glad all data is being put to a good use. This is a great incentive for me.

[@michelelee689]

thank you!! keep contributing & encouraging others to do the same! :)

[@narenchandra03]

This is why I love contributing plon maps,the thing is it's more than the points or views we get ,lots of people are getting help finding things and that is the real thing of being a local guide.

[@Raj-ol9xj]

Agreed, the badges are just cosmetic, the real reward, if you will, is the difference you're making towards a globally more accessible world for everyone, where everyone and anyone in the world can go anywhere their heart desires. Keep it up fellow local guides!

[@CharlesMendoza]

I'm an active contributor to this data. I like how Google implemented a ranking system to see how you are doing as a local guide. This has made it fun for me because I go out to many places. I am happy to know that there are many useful ways that this data is helping others. I encourage everyone to start contributing even if it's a few entries. I admire the strength and patience that Michele Lee has in her day to day challenges. Stay strong!

[@michelelee689]

thank you for your contributions! the more you go out, the better :)

[@rose-mariesmith4376]

This video has made me more aware of someone in a wheelchair and the obstacles they face when trying to get around their local communities. Thank you.

[@1800dontcare]

Michele Lee Thank You for being a voice for many who like who have struggles getting around from A to B to be a part of the growing number of people making this information available it's a great feeling knowing that it helps people. You are an amazing women and once again Thank You for being a voice for those who like a lot of us are able to get around without troubles. Many blessings to you.

[@YaraNeeDennis]

This reminds me how grateful we should be for even something as simple as being able to walk and move around freely. I'm inspired by this woman.

[@misshondabro]

what a beautiful soul this woman has. don't cry, it hurts my heart

[@joecoolchicago]

This is super cool. The idea itself is. I remember answering some of these questions, never imagined I'd see the outcome and you presented it so well. You guys gotta be proud.

[@amb3cog]

Great video. Great choice of people to put in the video. She really drove home how important this is. I'll be paying more attention in the future to wheelchair accessibility when I visit places, and will report it. Thank you. BTW to the woman in the video. You're doing great. You're actually doing better then a lot of people. Sucks not being able to get into places like that yes. But overall you're living the American Dream. And please remember how lucky you are to be born with a good head on your shoulders. And how lucky you are that you can use it to still make a living, despite being in a wheelchair. Living on a disability check is no way to live. So please keep your chin up. Because you're awesome, and people do care. Also you could talk to them. I know if you complained to me, and I could afford to fix it so you could get in. I would. Or I would help you in myself somehow. Good luck

[@positivenetworkingpagematt696]

Andrew Balus thank you

[@OU812-j7v]

Awesome! What a inspiration she is to all. I am going to be in a wheelchair oneday due to my military disability. I really enjoy donating my time to help other's. Local guide's ROCK!!!

[@happyyyydayssss]

I'm so happy after watching this video. Our little contributions as a local guide is helping people. Now I'll be contributing more. Thanks 😊

[@michelelee689]

keep it going! thank you!!

[@happyyyydayssss]

michele lee yeah I will 😊

[@tinar3569]

Wow, Michele! Such a touching story. So incredibly eye opening on the opportunities...so much more work to be done! Thank you for sharing your story with us. 💜

[@hishamayyash3270]

I joined Google Local Guide just because I want to share info about where I go and the accessibility to different places. But now, this video has shown me how important I and others of Local Google Guide's members to help others. I hope everyone in the whole world will have fair and happy life, no matter whatever is the issue.

[@michelelee689]

thank you! keep contributing & encouraging others to do the same! :)

[@AlejandraMariaB]

A great series of videous to conciencience us of the importance of accessibility. Thanks Michele for sharing your history with us. You are and amazing and strong woman.

[@michelelee689]

thank you!! keep contributing & encouraging others to do the same! :)

[@afternoondelight6741]

This is beautiful and thought provoking because I honestly never thought about the accessibility of a person using a wheelchair...I feel like my contributions to "Local Guides" actually help and make a difference... I'm glad I helped and thanks for the insight...

[@michelelee689]

Afternoon Delight thank you for your comment. One of the goals of the video is to raise awareness! Keep up your contributions 😊

[@afternoondelight6741]

michele lee Most definitely...

[@hotbeekslab]

Really makes me think about how important little things like ramps can mean the world to different people, will never stop contributing!

[@TheDupagecheer]

Google! I really appreciate from the bottom of my heart the good work keeping in place for the disadvantaged people around the world. Keep it up

[@aniruddhahomroy7771]

This is really an appealing story and has inspired me to contribute more with accessibility and relevant information of place I go. Many thanks to the lady and the people who conceptualized the theme of the story.

[@michelelee689]

thank you!! keep contributing & encouraging others to do the same! :)

[@carlosduque7443]

Loved the video. As an accessibility coordinator in NYC I approach intersections, buildings, bathrooms, events, etc with an accessibility eye, always thinking or putting myself in others shoes who happen to be in a wheelchair and how they might be able to independently move around, get services, food, transportation etc and there are still many challenges ahead to make cities in the US and around the world more accessible to people with disabilities. Let's not forget that providing accessibility is not just about putting ramps, elevators and automatic door openers but also high contrast signage (for people with low vision), braille, auditory signals, truncated domes, ASL interpreters, CART services, etc . I Will be happy to keep contributing to local guides to allow more independence within the disability community.

[@michelelee689]

Thank you for all you do and good point about general accessibility, you're right!

[@frankierepalda]

This is really helpful for the customers who rely on ramps

[@frankierepalda]

@@michelelee689 good video

[@alanhejl]

My fiancee (who has paraplegia and uses a manual chair) and I were just in Chicago and had similar challenges. Luckily we're used to travelling and piggy backing through inaccessible metro stops because none of our destinations had elevators. We're so glad to see Google step up with this effort and hope to see it continue to grow to make the world more accessible.

[@michelelee689]

thank you!! keep contributing where ever you travel & please encourage others to do the same! :)

[@Mutable_PageOfCups]

This was very eye opening. I am a level 6 local guide and try my best to pay attention to detail when it comes to places I visit. I will definitely start being more focused on looking out for which places are wheelchair accessible and listing that. I don't even know her and I am so proud of her! You are an inspiration!

[@michelelee689]

Kendra Dikes yay!! Thank you for looking out for access! 😊😊😊

[@nccbindiadelhi6164]

Really amazing,shows how much State cares for the Wheeled Chair individuals.

[@tiffanydixon9914]

Thank you so much for sharing your story. This helps Local Guides like me understand what to look for in handicap accessible places!!

[@michelelee689]

Tiffany Gladden thank you for all your contributions!

[@charlesm.9858]

Wow!! You are a Wonder Woman!!! Inspiration!!! brought me to tears..Thank you!!

[@michelelee689]

Charles McCormack aww thank you!!

[@charlesm.9858]

michele lee You are soo WELCOME!! Thank you for being an inspiration for us!!

[@KhalidAlhajri78]

Thank you Google map for making us contributing and be helpful for others ❤️

[@justing4891]

She's so brave and strong She's a fighter and did not give up on life. Really inspiring

[@nordy2010]

Inspiring story! I already contribute to Google Local Guides, but I'll definitely be making it a point to do it more regularly. I honestly hadn't thought about accessibility with regards to the service. It's on the forefront of my mind now. Kudos to Michele and Daniel!

[@michelelee689]

Thank you for your message! Keep up the good work!

[@nordy2010]

Definitely! And you're welcome. :)

[@jeanette5661]

Aww what a inspirational video! I comend this woman for all she is and all that she does every day! And encourages me to contribute more daily as a Google guide!

[@michelelee689]

Jeà Love yay keep contributing 😊😊

[@ianc279]

Thank you for sharing this great video. I will continue to contribute to google local guides to make the world more accessible for more people like her.

[@michelelee689]

please do!!

[@ColinBennettTaarn01]

I'm glad I'm a guide. I've been looking for things like this since it isn't cool for businesses to not make it accessible. This really hits close to home because I was so close to being in a similar position. I had two bulged discs that pushed on the nerves that let you walk. I almost lost my ability to walk. Thankfully I got my surgery in time. I encourage other guides to look for wheelchair accessible places as anyone's situation can change at any moment.

[@jasonwakefield3278]

Thank you for such great video and your encouragement,i feel like contributing more as a google local guide,through your inspiring story Michelle and for your boyfriend standing by your side.

[@michelelee689]

thank you! ! keep contributing & encouraging others to do the same! :)

[@anika14149]

I always answer to Google guide questions but I never thought It does help this far!

[@Adenan1188]

Very inspiring video and it'll helpful thousands people out there 🌎

[@anitac5523]

Beautiful video and eye-opening to what life is like in a wheelchair. I can really sympathise through this video. Good job Google!

[@SyedZuhairNaqviAmrohvi]

Initially when i joined as a Local Guide i was thinking why Google is asking all these kind of questions, but after watching this video I proud to be Local guide and will keep on sharing more and more ....

[@michelelee689]

Yay! Keep sharing!

[@carlhewlett]

Great video, very inspirational to help those in need! Thank you Michele for speaking out!

[@michelelee689]

thanks! keep contributing & encouraging others to do the same! :)

[@carlhewlett]

I don't think I can ever stop contributing! On my way to level 8 :-) :-)

[@happyyyydayssss]

Woah Carl 8th level!!! 👍

[@michelelee689]

wowza!

[@carlhewlett]

Thank you! :-)

[@davidwr99]

Thank you Michele Lee for staring in this video. Your intelligence, personality, and insight have helped me realize just how important this issue is. Going forward I will do more to try and help make it a more accessible world for all.

[@michelelee689]

davidwr99 thank you for your kind words!!

[@phillipmumba8289]

It doesn't make you not to visit lot of places but it makes you move around just like any other person and learn more than us who walk 🚶 🚶🚶.You on a wheelchair ♿you gat a job and loved , same dont have those... You are a star. Big ups to Google.

[@michelelee689]

Hahaha thank you!!

[@jademason7256]

This makes me feel like I'm making my country and by extension, the world, a better place. Not all heroes wear capes :) I'll definitely continue to do my part

[@michelelee689]

yay, keep up the great work and please encourage others as well :D

[@shivakumarhunasimarad65]

I am proud of being am also joined to this Google Map and am always ready for giving more information to the people through the Google Maps so saying to all please share this video... Love you Google Maps

[@Umarsanaie]

I am glad that I am able to help. If we can't kill the problems in the world at least we can stand with one another to help out.

[@doctoral_tech]

She is so Beautiful and Strong Too. Also developing guideline for others.

[@HamedAlJabri]

I am encouraged even more now, and no one has to face that challenge. I hope that with all the LG accessibility data, Google can make statistics for accessibility friendly cities and rank them which will help cities compete.

[@srswope]

Thank you for sharing your story Michele. Great to know that something like a review can be helpful - I will do better paying attention in my own reviews

[@michelelee689]

Scott Swope yay! Thank you and please encourage others to do the same 😊

[@merino5168]

You are a very valuable strong knowledgable 💪 woman.Whatever u want u can get in LIFE positive vibes.

[@AlexandreTutoriais]

My heart gets tight when I see what life is like for these people. It's good that she can use a bike like this.

[@DPCPhotog]

Very awesome! I'm glad I've been contributing.

[@kathrynannwattsfabofkitt]

The buses are great! They're equipped with wheelchair ramps and have the kneeling feature and no stairs to deal with The buses are fuel efficient. There's also the light rail train. The light rail is quiet and smooth. I take both the bus and light rail because the bus passes are also good for the light rail. The reduced fare passes are best, depending on how long you gonna be in Phoenix, Arizona. Central Station is located on Central and Van Buren, where you can get a bus pass.

[@worldmycity]

Google always on Top for social purpose!!! This World must be changed!!! We are able to!!! Go Go Go!!!

[@OneManOnFire]

I've never thought about it like that when using Google locals for updates and pictures. When i visit my next location I'll keep people just like yourself in mind to make sure you have access to right information.

[@michelelee689]

Thank you!!

[@beccaruthgiles2770]

Wow, I am blown away. I mos def will continue to contribute 411 on my local spots and other places I visit. Amazing stuff, who knew.😁

[@michelelee689]

thank you!! keep contributing & encouraging others to do the same! :)

[@georgelindsey7370]

Michele Lee I'm in this to help, tech will work many wonders. Be as patient as possible, things will get better.

[@JulieBenefield]

She is an amazing lady. She is trying hard True I can understand I was with a Patient and there were a few area they could not get threw there do need. Lets keep this going

[@patrickrichmond9896]

Great work! The featured girl in this video is an icon and teaches us that we have a lot of work to do. If you choose to discriminate against someone in a wheelchair, the consequences can be severe. CTA has several stations that hasn't been upgraded to ADA standards but have been written up for it. Dramatize Me featured a restaurant that thought it was funny to discriminate and they soon got punished for it. For a restaurant, it does take some work to make it ADA compliant. You have to take down the door, and widen it and install an electric opener for wheelchairs.

[@kattk2598]

great video, and to the female telling her side of the story you are amazing and i cant imagine how frustrating it is...its 2017

[@michelelee689]

thank you!! keep contributing & encouraging others to do the same! :) [and you're right, so frustrating]

[@RishadAbdullah]

Ya nice one. Pointed something we should notice in mind and can do write about way of accessibility.

[@mukeshanubhuti]

There is a great economic divide..India is developing. Living in a developed world has merits of organized living. Life and Time management for a corporate citizen is offered. i like enthusiasm of Michele as to share how problems are solved and one needs to focus on improvement. Back home in India we have challenges which even if i share on videos to attend to in real time for public care ..it may take years of wisdom, efforts from rich corporates to support development to Indian Citizen. i have travelled to Singapore , Malaysia, Dubai..and hope to get all what you have shown in the video in my country India. Best Wishes.

[@davidbarajas52]

great video i am crying 😢 right now don’t what to say but we should put more atención to those details

[@BadBoyRoy21]

This is a bit touching.. I didn't realize something so small can make a big difference. I'll keep at it

[@michelelee689]

Roy Sandoval thank you!!

[@BadBoyRoy21]

michele lee You're very welcome Michele! Thanks for speaking out and letting us know. You're a rockstar!

[@islandprincesscastle]

Me too... her story makes me wanna do my part 😢

[@segerwager6212]

Islandprinc ess Castle

[@sharajanetancinco3906]

Google you made me cry 😢 i shall contribute more to Google Local Guides! ✋

[@michelelee689]

thank you!! keep contributing & encouraging others to do the same! :)

[@peqbox]

Proud to be a contributor. Heck I'm only 11 but this is fun!

[@michelelee689]

yay! never too early to start!

[@CooperCreations1]

Who would unlike this? Seriously what is wrong with people

[@michelelee689]

was wondering the same lol

[@jaycool4835]

I saw 55 dislikes on this video, now tell me why would someone not like this video.... God bless everyone wheelchair people and everyone.

[@ericgonzalez7371]

stay strong stay gold its alot of work i know but we gatta move around until we csnt god bless im level t4 my self

[@LesliWebandMediaSvcsonYouTube]

I do web design and videos and I contribute a LOT to google local guides. Thanks for posting this - I'll keep this in mind for future edits. My kids are both grown out of strollers now so I don't tend to look at that anymore. I used to look at it for strollers. Is there a way for people to re-post this on their own channel? Thanks!

[@rakeshrmahato]

Great video

[@suzenazxena]

The CTA is pretty good but the businesses are not great. I hate having to call beforehand to see if I could not just enter their establishment but use the washroom if need be.

[@sureshmeena3265]

I'm now on level 5 & I'll try my best to help lots of people

[@jochemaalders]

Good for noticing this issue! Google: please use your data and let's add wheelchairs in your navigation! The best, most efficient route for wheelchairs is a MUST to implement in maps. Greetings from NL.

[@origamichannel7805]

Good job 👍👍👍

[@slave288]

As a wheelchair user I have been contributing to Maps since before Google started the accessibility intuitive. Since the intuitive, I have been trying to do more to help others like myself, but I must admit here that I have not been impressed with Google's layout and designs. There are Apps out there that are dedicated to us who need assistance knowing about the accessibility of a place. Those Apps allow a user to post a note on the map like to an entrance that is not accessible to a building, the note would then contain information informing of an alternate route or instructions. Google's approach of just asking general questions about accessible parking, entrence, etc is almost useless.

[@ashitbhatt5111]

Great presentation WoW

[@TheLuckyOptimist]

I've been crying while watching it. Lot's of owners really don't care much about the wheelchair option. In our city most of the places are not accessable for wheelchair users. Maybe because of this I don't meet them often. They just can't get use most of the things other people do... it's so sad..

[@sunilteji7664]

Very nice

[@KK_Gamer14]

Good work

[@robadams8057]

Is there an episode 2?

[@Safaabdalkarim]

You are a beautiful woman, strong and wonderful, good, follow me as you always forward and I hope to be your friend

[@harshkesarwani5155]

Its worth aprreciating.😊❤

[@shivashekhar.f.kamatagi4895]

Contributions helps others it's main important

[@michelelee689]

yes, so important, thank you for being part of this!

[@johnplantaseednobudgetprod5158]

Shivashekhar.F. Kamatagi myself I am totally amazed be included in this I did nothing more than plant a seed but I will proudly continue to lead the charge Full Speed Ahead damn the torpedoes

[@briansivley2001]

This is my own life in a nutshell. I last spring had to get a electric wheelchair because I have a condition called spina bifida and fatty filum which is a birth defect. Basically it's similar to arthritis in that it gets worse and worse as you grow up. Depending on how bad it is when you're diagnosed with it you could be in a wheelchair at that point or it will gradually get worse and worse until it's really hard to walk that it's necessary to use a wheelchair to get around. I was first found out that my spine was bad in a accident. When I was in elementary school I was involved in a rear end Bus Accident between my School Bus stopped at a stop light and a CTA Bus going back home and we were sent to the emergency room to check on us. Luckily for most of us we didn't get hurt but they did another X-ray to double check on my spine and saw something that was unusual in a normal spine. When my mom came to pick me up the doctors told her about the X-ray results and asked if I had a regular doctor which I did at Children's Memorial Hospital clinic in Uptown. The doctor told my mom that my doctor should start doing tests on my spine the X-ray showed a defect that could interfere in my life later on in life. So when we told my doctor and she did multiple tests including some that required me to be admitted to the hospital and one that test my lower muscles and they had to put a catheter in me which was so painful and we found out that I had spina bifida and fatty filum which requires surgery on my spine to fix. Unfortunately because of what I did to my mom which I won't say but all I will say that if I did it now I would be arrested and thrown into jail but because of my actions I'm paying for it now by being not able to walk far and have to rely on a wheelchair or friends to get around. If anyone's reading this and they're considering to do something bad to their parents and think that they would get away with it rethink that. Your bad decisions in life will eventually come back to bite you in the future trust me I know I'm paying for it right now and I wish I could go back in time and fix my bad mistakes. So love your parents and respect them because they're the only parents you will have and once they're gone they're gone forever.

[@ddianeatkins]

I have a rollator and I can't use some of the elevated trains because they to many stairs and no handicap elevators, on the buses, people won't get up in order for me to access the handicap seat, the drivers are too scared to say anything, some drivers don't wait till I'm seated before pulling off, being unable to do things as others is hard enough without all these other variables

[@dancomden6577]

Kudos to Google for this effort. That said, they are really lagging when it comes to accessibility of their major offerings, like Docs, Sheets, etc. I work with a guy who is blind and we can't use the Googleverse because they fail so hard at basic accessibility. It's because they won't adhere to standards that have been around for a long time. I say this as someone who uses Google tools every day, but I have to go elsewhere in order to collaborate with my colleague (who happens to be blind and has a CS master's degree)

[@rohitkale8183]

nice video

[@frtyfukn9rs]

99% of ALL OF US....TAKE LIFE FOR GRANTED! It's Time to start Paying Attention to Others, And Not just Our Electrical Devices!

[@Nicolas-uu3jr]

Don’t be angry, we will fix it..., as long as we’re alive

[@altezarealcarmenvelez]

👑

[@cuongtk]

Tôi và Cộng đồng Local Guide Việt Nam sẽ tiếp tục đóng góp thêm nhiều địa điểm để những người khuyết tật có thể tiếp cận các thông tin nơi mà học đến.

[@borderactionteam5398]

Hello Will any one help me? I have a sixth level of Google Local Guide.But Google did not contact me.And I did not get anything from Google.I've done a lot of things in the Google Map but everything is pending.Tell me what I do?

[@jayantghadei7758]

Great :)

[@EyadIsa]

thumbs up

[@BLUCONECT]

Nice video

[@PlayShaRycky]

This is great, will be very useful for Russia, it's terrible to try to go out by tube with push chairs and lot's of Mums struggle and I don't even mansion people on wheelchair cause it's not possible to go out and about as satires are everywhere. I defiantly know Russian train stations, airports (especially toilets) chemists, underground has very poor excess for wheelchairs.

[@SA8282]

Amazing wheelchair artist.

[@amybookaholic]

You are very strong

[@SathishKumar-ug6gf]

Hope in India too it comes true on one fine

[@DatBoiJrSan408]

Awww man I'll put more effort into my reviews!

[@michelelee689]

yes please :)

[@dezaroo9010]

Everyone deserves fair treatment . !

[@andisrizky]

Good...

[@JohnSmith-td7hd]

We really need tank treads on wheelchairs. It wouldn't let wheelchairs go up stairs, but it would let them get over curbs and widely spaced steps.

[@michelelee689]

John Smith that’s a cool idea!

[@frankierepalda]

Hopefully she'll be able to regain her use of the hands and legs