Derry City Strabane District Council (in Northern Ireland) has called for the hospitality sector to include more QR codes to help visually impaired customers.
The hope is that this would encourage blind or partially-sighted people to visit more restaurants independently, without relying on the aid of someone else.
This useful and inclusive solution has been called to motion with the assisted proposal from blind Londonderry citizen, Martha McClelland. She commented, “If I was by myself, I would need to have the server read the menu to me, which can be difficult sometimes if it’s a crowded restaurant with a lot of noise.”
“I think a QR code is a great idea where I could maybe listen back a few times to what is on offer on the phone [through headphones].“
The council motion has put forward by SDLP councillor Catherine McDaid, who said, “Just because you’re visually impaired doesn’t mean you should miss out on the great hospitality available here. Imagine going in and not being able to choose for yourself and relying on other people – it’s about giving people more independence.”
This important and revolutionary notion indicates to us the importance of building inclusive tools to assist vulnerable customers. With the help of developing technologies, such as AI platforms, the ability to build digital assistance for those who need it has never been simpler.
Furthermore, this news is significant to our industry as it opens up the conversation of developing more inclusive customer service options. With this, we will build up a better customer experience for all and help vulnerable consumers to feel part of brand practices.