Imagine you're a café or restaurant owner, how would you look after your visually impaired/blind patrons?
I used to work at a bar that had many blind patrons (they were part of an all-blind Dragon Boat racing team that practiced nearby). Here's a few ideas based on my experience:
1. Offer a "listening menu".
Patrons can call a phone number and listen to recorded descriptions of menu items, specials, and daily offerings.
2. Provide a tactile map of the cafe/restaurant layout.
This would help blind patrons familiarize themselves with the space before ordering. This could be a raised map with tactile features such as raised text and different textures to indicate different areas of the cafe.
3. Provide Braille menus or large print menus.
4. Train staff to assist blind patrons with ordering and navigating the space.
Simple things like creasing the receipt where you want the signature to be can be very helpful.
5. Ensure that all areas of the cafe, including the restroom, have ample space.
6. Offer verbal descriptions of daily specials or featured menu items.
7. Use contrasting colors and high-contrast labeling on items such as cups and dishes.
8. Offer seating in areas with good natural lighting for those who have some vision.
9. Provide assistance with finding seating and navigating to it.
10. Create a "scent menu"
Not sure if this is feasible, but perhaps blind patrons can sample different aromas associated with menu items, such as the smell of freshly brewed coffee or baked goods.
This might become a cherished feature for all patrons.
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