Christmas season is a time for feasting, laughter, and gathering around tables with delicious treats. It’s also a chance for restaurants to shine, not just with festive decorations, but with an inclusive menu that welcomes everyone.
But how inclusive is your hotel menu? does it have accessibility requirements? accessible menus aren’t just about food, they’re about freedom, they help diners with disabilities discover the exhilarating power of navigating their mealtime journey.
An accessible menu is designed to be used by persons with disabilities. This includes visually impaired people, Deaf, have cognitive or learning disabilities, or have motor impairments.
Imagine the smiles when a Deaf diner confidently orders a meal of their choice, and the pride when a wheelchair user chooses their meal without assistance, courtesy of an accessible menu.
When a menu is not accessible, it can be difficult or even impossible for people with disabilities to order food or drinks. This can be frustrating and humiliating for people with disabilities.
Here are some ways to make your menu a true celebration for all:
Provide an audio menu. An audio menu is a recording of the menu that people with visual impairments can listen to and decide what meal to take.
Provide a Braille menu. A Braille menu is a menu that is printed in Braille, which is a tactile alphabet that people with visual impairments can read.
Offer a digital menu. A digital menu is a menu that is available on a tablet or smartphone. This can be a good option for people with motor impairments, as it can be easier to navigate than a paper menu.
Use descriptive language. Avoid using abbreviations or jargon that people with disabilities may not understand.