For most of us, reading a menu is something we barely think about. But for people living with sight loss, it can be one of the first barriers they face when going out for coffee, lunch or dinner.
Across Aberdeen and the north-east of Scotland, cafés, restaurants and hospitality businesses work hard to create welcoming experiences. From independent coffee shops to family-run venues, the sector plays an important role in bringing communities together. Yet small details, such as how a menu is presented, can make a significant difference to how inclusive that experience really feels.
Through both my personal experience as a parent of a child with sight loss and my professional role at sensory loss charity North East Sensory Services (NESS), I regularly see the impact these small barriers can have. What should be a simple, everyday activity can quickly become frustrating, thereby limiting independence and confidence.
Menus are often printed in small fonts, use low contrast colours or glossy finishes, and can be difficult to read in dim lighting. This can mean relying on others to read options aloud, using a phone camera to zoom in repeatedly or feeling uncomfortable having to ask for help. While this may seem like a small issue, independence matters, and these experiences shape how welcome someone feels.
One simple way to make a difference is by offering large print menus.
Encouragingly, some hospitality venues across the region are already introducing more accessible options, showing that relatively small changes can have a meaningful impact on customer experience. These examples demonstrate that improving accessibility does not need to be costly or complicated.
In many cases, it could be as straightforward as:
- keeping one or two large print menus available
- using clear fonts and strong contrast
- offering digital versions that are easy to enlarge
- ensuring staff feel confident supporting customers who may need assistance.
As the north-east continues its efforts to create a vibrant and inclusive city centre, accessibility has an important role to play. Small changes, such as offering a large print menu, can help more people feel confident enjoying cafés, restaurants and other venues. In turn, this benefits not only individuals, but the wider community and local economy.
Inclusion is often found in the smallest moments. Being able to read a menu independently is about more than food. It is about confidence, dignity and feeling truly welcome.
At NESS, we regularly support people living with sensory loss and understand the practical barriers they can face in everyday situations. We can also offer advice and guidance to organisations looking to make their services more accessible and inclusive.
Please visit our website for more information: Could one simple change make your café or restaurant more accessible? - North East Sensory Services : North East Sensory Services
Together, small changes can help make our communities more inclusive for everyone.