Bristol based transcription company A2i has continued its mission to get more restaurants, pubs and hotels to offer Braille and large print menus to their customers by attending Hospitality 2009.
A2i’s recent research showed that less than 10 per cent of UK restaurants provide their menus in Braille or large print, with the majority of the two million visually-impaired people in the UK missing out.
Under the theme ‘touch it, feel it, taste it’, A2i showcased its Braille and large print menus and tactile signage that they believe should feature in every food and drink outlet in the UK.
Installing A2i’s Braille and tactile signage is said to be an easy and cost-effective way for Britain’s pubs and restaurants to make adjustments to render their premises accessible, which is a requirement under the UK’s Disability Discrimination Act (DDA).
One company that has taken advantage of A2i’s services is the restaurant chain Frankie & Benny’s. A list of contents was added to the start of each menu and each new category of food and drink begins on a new page.
Frankie & Benny’s restaurants also display stickers in their windows that make customers aware that Braille menus are available, showing their awareness and support for their visually impaired customers.
As an extra service to all of its customers, A2i lists all outlets that provide Braille menus on its online restaurant directory, which is accessible to visually impaired people.
As a special sweet treat for Hospitality visitors, A2i unveiled the first Braille chocolate in the UK, and gave away a giant Braille chocolate egg (pictured) as a prize.
Image shows A2i’s giant Braille chocolate egg, stating “Congratulations from A2i! Eat Me!”
Close Window