A raft of major supermarkets are aiming to improve access for the blind and partially sighted during the crisis, through steps to help them socially distance.
Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda, Waitrose and Lidl are all working with the Royal National Institute of Blind People on new best practices, such as tape on checkout screens to make them more visible.
There are two million blind and partially sighted people in the UK, according to RNIB. Many would usually rely on online grocery shopping but have been unable to secure delivery slots thanks to massive demand during the crisis. They are not automatically on the government ‘shield list’ of people highly vulnerable to Covid-19, who qualify for priority treatment from supermarkets.
The new best practice includes announcing social distancing measures rather than relying on signs alone. Text on signs should be at least size 14 font.
Staff are advised to introduce themselves by name and offer help while socially distancing, and to remember it may not be apparent from appearance that someone is blind or partially sighted.
The guidance also covers online delivery, advising drivers to step back and give clear and specific instructions such as: “Your shopping is in several bags to your left in the porch.”
The five supermarkets are already starting to implement the new best practice guide and distribute advice to frontline staff, according to RNIB.
Tesco had begun implementing practical improvements such as tape on screens, while Sainsbury’s had incorporated new tips into its customer service policies, the charity said.
“Access to groceries has been the biggest issue facing the blind and partially sighted community since the outbreak,” said an RNIB spokesman. “We’re receiving an average of over 100 calls a day about this and we know there is a long way to go to ensure people who are blind or partially sighted can access groceries.”
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