Here are easy ways to make your hospo venue more accessible to people with low vision and blindness

If you’re in the planning stages of opening a new venue, there are so many accessible design elements you can incorporate, like making your space step-free. Even if you’re working with a current space, there are plenty of retrofitting options. Make sure the way to the counter, bathrooms and exits/entries aren’t blocked with stools, tables or other objects – this makes a world of difference for people using canes or guide dogs if they can navigate a consistent and predictable layout.  

Perhaps one major misconception of blindness is that people aren’t able to see a thing. Blindness works as a spectrum, so don’t underestimate what a super clear and prominent sign can do for someone with low vision. Use strong contrast design like black words against a white background and make them nice and big and in an easy-to-spot place. For both signs and menus, try to avoid any fonts with frills, and consider some alternative formats like menus with large prints, braille and even an accessible digital version. You can even get your hands on a nifty little design by Guide Dogs NSW/ACT to display out front to patrons that their furry support friend is welcome. 

No one’s expecting you and your staff to know the what’s what of assisting people with low vision and blindness. Taking the effort to educate yourself and your team on how to interact with them is the first step to increasing inclusivity. Something that may seem as simple as greeting actually makes a massive difference. Guide Dogs NSW/ACT offers different training sessions and resources you can access, including digital training that you can complete at your own pace. For some general advice, you can check out some tips below.  

Serving someone with low vision or blindness may be a little different to the run-of-the-mill exchange, but there’s plenty you can do to make your patron feel more comfortable. Make sure you always introduce yourself and your title so they’re familiar with who they’re chatting to. Always offer assistance, but let them take the lead: instead of grabbing their arm, offer yours for them to hold on to. You can describe your venue layout to them, and make sure that when you’re addressing someone with low vision or blindness, you speak directly to them instead of through a third person like their partner. 

While accessibility should come from a place of compassion and motivation to connect our community, put simply, it’s an offence to deny entry or charge a fee for a guide dog. Allergies, religious objections or fear of dogs aren’t an excuse. Plus, have you ever met a guide dog before? They’re some of the most beautiful and dutiful companions out there. It’s worth knowing that it’s your job as a business owner or employee to provide equal access to goods and services under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992, and that you could be fined up to $1,650 under the Companion Animals Act (1998). 

For more info and access to a wealth of resources, you can check out the Guide Dogs NSW/ACT website here.