During a training discussion at the Idaho Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired (ICBVI), we were struck by comments from teens about how they hate to go to a restaurant and have their friends read the menu for them. Many visually impaired persons in Idaho have this same problem — especially seniors. Large print and Braille menus should be available in every restaurant.

We have been working through the ICBVI, the Idaho Lodging and Restaurant Association (ILRA), and Lions Clubs, with additional help from Lt. Governor Brad Little. After much work, we have come up with this simple plan for restaurant owners: They only need to provide a menu. We do the rest! We will make the large print/Braille menus and mail them to the business at absolutely no charge to the restaurant. We also have stickers the restaurants can post on their doors showing their inclusion in this wonderful project. Everything is paid for by the ICBVI and the ILRA.

With much help from Lions Clubs throughout Idaho, the project is already in nearly 200 restaurants around the state. We also plan to get the word out by contact through the ILRA, having articles in newspapers and airing television public service announcements. Restaurant supply companies are also being urged to join by adding large print menus to each order they receive for new menus.

But word of mouth is our best promoter. We ask restaurant owners to contact us, and we urge patrons to ask for large print/Braille menus at their favorite eating establishments.

We are easy to contact. From the ICBVI website, click on Large Print/Braille Menus, contact Al Schneider at aaschneider@hotmail.com, or email the ICBVI directly at rthomas@icbvi.idaho.gov.

AL SCHNEIDER

Emmett