Challenges and Solutions
For people with low vision, dining out can be a complex experience that goes beyond simply finding food on the plate. Navigating stairs, finding entrances and exits, and dealing with lighting can be challenging, especially for those with limited vision.
Ella Geralis, who is legally blind, relies on a white cane and assistance from sighted individuals to navigate restaurants. Beryl Matthews, also with low vision, prefers to dine out with a sighted companion. Both women find that using descriptive language, such as comparing the plate to a clock, helps them locate items on the table.
VisAbility WA, an organization dedicated to supporting people with low vision, offers workshops that teach participants valuable skills for dining out with confidence. These workshops cover common difficulties faced by individuals with low vision, such as knocking over items, spilling drinks, and struggling to cut food. Participants learn various tips and tricks, including using a liquid level indicator to avoid overfilling glasses and imagining their plate as a clock to locate food.
The workshops also emphasize the importance of accessible menus, both online and in physical form. Government accessibility guidelines recommend using features like contrast, color, font size, large print, audio, braille, and tactile graphics to make menus accessible to people with vision impairments.
Both Geralis and Matthews found the workshops empowering, allowing them to dine out with greater confidence and independence. They encourage individuals with low vision to ask for assistance when needed and to educate others about their dining experiences.
By understanding the challenges faced by people with low vision and implementing solutions like accessible menus and clear communication, restaurants can create a more inclusive and enjoyable dining experience for everyone.