Back to Basics: Accessible menus

There are currently more than two million people in the UK with serious sight problems, and many of them cannot read standard-size print. These are the people who could be missing out with your menus - and you, in turn, could be missing out on their custom!

Providing accessible options for these people means your existing customers will be able to read in the format they choose to use and you will be able to reach more potential customers.

Don't forget that many people could well have given up asking for information in a format they can read, and it makes commercial sense to do all that you can to reach them.

Currently, only a limited number of establishments have identified the opportunity to provide bar and restaurant menus in alternative, accessible formats such as Braille and large print.

Those that have, though, report that they are receiving regular custom from people with sight loss as they will return to places they know will support them. Then, of course, there are the views of other customers who know you are making these changes to your service in order to help others. Making a small change can be a great way of showing the type of pub you are - one that wants to look after and provide an important service to all your customers.

And then there's the law. The 1995 Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) demands 'reasonable adjustments' in the provision of goods, facilities and services. The duty to make these adjustments applies to anyone providing goods, facilities or services to the public. This includes pubs, hotels and restaurants.

Since April 2003, people certified or registered as blind or partially sighted have been automatically regarded as disabled for the purposes of the Act (although this does not apply in Northern Ireland).

So what does this mean for your pub? In a nutshell, you are required to do something to help people who are blind and partially sighted read your information. Producing your menus in accessible formats such as Braille and large print is one way of doing this.

Changes you can make in your pub

Accessible menus

• Ensure your customers can read what you give them. Consider having your standard bar or restaurant menu transcribed into an accessible format, such as Braille, which can be stored and accessed on request. A copy of this menu can be retained by the transcriber, and additional copies can be reproduced when needed.
• Replicate your current menu in a text-only large print version. This will be a great help for partially sighted customers. See the box above for some top tips on how to do this.

Staff service

If you have regular visits from people who are blind and partially sighted, consider some visual awareness training for your staff. This will make sure the customer is receiving a fantastic all-round service.

Promotion

Promote your service - make sure you advertise what you're doing, whether in larger size print on the current menus, or by telling customers who you think may need their menu in an accessible format. There's nothing worse than making the extra effort and no-one knowing about it because you're advertising the accessible formats in tiny writing!

Your objections countered

Is it going to be really expensive to do?​

In a word, no. Having a standard-sized menu transcribed into Braille could cost as little as £30 for a master and several copies.

This master can then be reproduced into additional copies as and when you need them. The cost could be covered in one visit from someone with sight loss, not to mention new customers, returning customers and great publicity.

But we change our menus every day…​

Of course, it's not practicable for pubs that change menus or specials on a daily basis to provide these menus in alternative formats. But you can take reasonable steps by training your staff to spend a little time reading out the daily menu for blind customers, and ensuring there is a large-print copy available for partially sighted customers.

I like the way my menu looks, and we've only just had it redesigned…​

Just because you are going to produce accessible menus doesn't mean your existing menus can't be used, or need to be changed. Braille menus would be separate copies that can be stored for when you need them. And if you look to make your own large-print copies, you can reproduce the text yourself in various font sizes.

Laura Dunning works for RNIB Cymru which can help you produce your menus in Braille and other accessible formats. For more information email alicenquiries@rnib.org.uk​