Introduction
In today’s world, promoting equality, inclusion, and accessibility in every aspect of our lives is more important than ever. For restaurant managers and business owners, this means ensuring that all customers, including those with visual impairments, can enjoy the same level of service and independence. One powerful way to achieve this is by incorporating Braille menus into your establishment. At All Things Dotty, we provide high-quality Braille menus starting at just £15.00 per side of A4, with a 15% discount on all future menu updates. Let’s explore why Braille menus are essential and how they can transform your business.
What is a Braille Menu?
A Braille menu is a tactile version of your standard menu, designed specifically for individuals who are visually impaired. It features raised dots that form letters and numbers, allowing customers to read through touch. These menus ensure that visually impaired customers can independently access information about your offerings, from appetizers to desserts.
Our Braille menus are professionally bound in a metal spine. They have a front and back cover, including images of your choice — this is intended to grab the eye of your staff members.
The menu is double-fronted; at the front is the Braille menu, and the large print is at the back. The back acts as a second front, so you turn it over to see the same as your front cover, and the first page of your large print menu appears when you turn the cover over. Large print size is 36 Arial.
The Importance of Having a Braille Menu
Step into the shoes of a visually impaired person. Uncomfortable right? Not just because they're too small, or that they're falling off your feet. But because you can't see anything. And anything you can see might be altered, or it may look smaller, or you may not be able to see things directly in front of you.
Now, still wearing those shoes, walk into your restaurant. You don't know anybody in there, but you want to have some lunch.
You're seated at a table by the window, you can feel the sun on your face. Somebody comes over with a menu, but you can't read it. You then have to ask your waiter to read the menu for you.
Now think to yourself. How does that make you feel?
Humilliated?
Lost?
Embarrassed?
Helpless?
Like your independence has just been taken away, with a click of your fingers.
That's what it's like for visually impaired people. We can't even see the decorations in your café, let alone a print menu on the table in front of us. In order to make your restaurant a more inclusive place to be, and to make your patrons feel comfortable in your restaurant, you need a Braille menu from All Things Dotty.
A Braille and Large Print menu could really enhance your customer base. Members of the VI community talk — they're always asking questions, finding the best ways of working. So when a little bird tells the community that you have a Braille menu available, what do they do? They organise a party! They use your Braille menu, they choose their food, and they order for themselves whilst having a wonderful conversation at the dining table.
Now put those shoes back on. Yes, it feels weird. But this time, you are excited. Your Mum has just seen a post on Facebook, advertising a restaurant in Plymouth's City Centre, and they cater for visually impaired people. So you arranged to meet your best friend for lunch before going for a walk along the seafront.
Your shoes still aren't comfortable, are they? Just a few more steps...
You enter the café, and you can feel the warmth on your face. You still can't see anything, but you expected that.
You're goeeted by a waitress who guides you over to that same table in the window. "Would you like a Braille menu?" she asks.
Excitement flows through you. "Yes please!"
Your best friend arrives, and you spend time looking over the menu, revelling in the sheer joy of being independent! Yes you! Mum dropped you off, but you're doing this yourself!
"I'll have the Bacon, bree and Cranberry baguette please..."
And now you've just ordered your own food, for the first time! Your friend does the same, but she uses the large print side.
"I'll have a hotdog and fries please..."
So how does it feel?
Did you have a conversation while you were reading the menu? Did you talk about your plans for the weekend?
So... Proud?
Thankful?
Excited?
FREE?
And your independence has come back. So although those shoes still aren very uncomfortable, you know that there is something in this world that you can do by yourself. And it's wonderful!
Having a Braille menu is not just a legal requirement under the Equality Act 2010; it’s a commitment to providing an inclusive and accessible environment. By offering Braille menus, you’re showing your dedication to accommodating all customers, enhancing their dining experience, and fostering a sense of independence.
Why You Should Have a BrailleMenu?
1. Promote Equality and Inclusion: A Braille menu ensures that all customers, regardless of their visual abilities, can enjoy the same dining experience.
2. Enhance Customer Experience: Providing Braille menus allows visually impaired customers to feel valued and respected, leading to higher satisfaction and repeat business.
3. Comply with Regulations: The Equality and Human Rights Commission encourages businesses to make reasonable adjustments, such as providing Braille menus, to ensure accessibility for all.
4. Attract New Customers: Word spreads quickly when businesses take steps to be more inclusive, attracting new customers and increasing your establishment’s popularity.
Testimonials
Real Experiences of Inclusion
Our Braille menus have already made a significant impact on many businesses and their customers. Here are some heartfelt testimonials:
“We have a VI group who visits our café, and it’s wonderful to see them ordering food for the first time.”
“It’s something we never think about until somebody brings it to our attention, so thank you!”
“It brings such a sense of pride and excitement when I order my own food, with a menu that I can actually read! I had to read it to my Mum once because they forgot the print menu!”
“It feels great to have such independence!”
“We always aim to make our café more accessible, and I’m delighted to say that word is spreading fast!”
Equality and Inclusion in the DiningExperience
By offering Braille menus, you are actively promoting equality and inclusion. This simple yet powerful tool ensures that all customers can participate fully in their dining experience. It breaks down barriers and creates an atmosphere where everyone feels welcome and valued.
Accessibility and Independence
Providing Braille menus is a step towards creating an accessible environment where visually impaired customers can enjoy their meals independently. It eliminates the need for them to rely on others to read the menu, giving them the freedom to make their own choices. This sense of independence is invaluable and enhances their overall dining experience.
Affordable and Easy Updates
At All Things Dotty, we understand the importance of keeping your menus up-to-date. Our Braille menus start at just £15.00 per side of A4, and we offer a 15% discount on updates. This affordable pricing ensures that you can maintain an inclusive menu without breaking the bank.
Ready to make your restaurant more inclusive? Visit https://www.allthingsdottybraille.co.uk/products/braille-and-large-print-menu to learn more about our Braille menu offerings and how they can benefit your business.
Conclusion
Incorporating Braille menus into your restaurant is more than just a good business decision; it’s a commitment to equality, inclusion, and accessibility. It’s about ensuring that every customer, regardless of their visual abilities, can enjoy the same dining experience. At All Things Dotty, we’re here to help you make that commitment. With our affordable Braille menus, you can transform your establishment into a more inclusive and welcoming space. Don’t miss the opportunity to make a difference. Contact us today and take the first step towards a more inclusive future.