Support reasonable access for blind and visually impaired individuals

The AODA (Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act) states that all business must provide accessible materials including Braille/Large Print. Unfortunately, many businesses are circumventing this by using QR codes. When asked, the AODA said “QR codes are not considered accessible for blind and visually impaired individuals”, but they don’t have an enforcement division to ensure compliance, so they rely on the business to self audit. Braille/large print materials are crucial for the independence of people who are blind or visually impaired.

Many restaurants are currently providing Braille and Large Print menus including Swiss Chalet, Montana’s, Milestones and Harvey’s, to name a few. These businesses obviously value their blind/visually impaired customers and promote their independence. Other businesses like Boston Pizza, The Keg Steakhouse, Kelsey’s, Jack Astor’s, Earl’s Kitchen, Tim Horton’s and many others are not providing these menus.

Many accessible issues are very expensive to address, such as accessible entrance ways, ramps, etc, However, the cost for a restaurant to provide Braille/Large Print menus ranges from $50 to $70 for the recommended 2 copies. This cost is negligible considering the independence it provides.

Please sign this petition and share with everybody you have on your social media platforms. Support reasonable accessibility for blind/visually impaired individuals. Bring Back Braille!