Blind woman hopes adding QR code menus will help diners

SDLP councillor Catherine McDaid, who put forward the council motion, has said the council will work with the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) and visually impaired charity Angel Eyes NI to help develop the more-inclusive menus.

“During Covid-19, most restaurants and takeaways developed a QR code for their menu and ordering systems and this was all about taking that one step further,” she said.

“I think it’s just can we make sure that QR code takes you to an accessible menu.

“We believe that such an app could be something that increases text on menus to a bigger print, and also read back menus audibly.

“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.”

Ms McDaid believes they are the first council in Northern Ireland to introduce such a scheme and hopes it will encourage other local authorities across Northern Ireland to follow suit.