Blind Man Denied Verbal Ordering at Izakaya, Sparking Fight for Equal Service

A Blind Man's Fight for Equal Service

A pleasant dinner with a friend turned into a frustrating experience for a 41-year-old blind man from Yokohama. During a visit to a Japanese-style izakaya pub in Tokyo's Shibuya, he was asked to place his order via his smartphone, despite his blindness. His repeated requests to order verbally were met with indifference from the waiter.

This incident highlights the challenges faced by people with disabilities in accessing equal service. The man and his friend, who has low vision, encountered numerous difficulties throughout their meal. The smartphone menu was inaccessible to them, and the staff provided no assistance in explaining the dishes or buttons on the table.

The man's request for better service upon leaving the pub was met with empty promises of improvement. This experience underscores the need for businesses to be more accommodating and inclusive towards people with disabilities.

The law requires companies to make "reasonable accommodations" for people with disabilities, and the restaurant industry has guidelines for interacting with them. However, the lack of awareness and training among staff can lead to situations like the one the man encountered.

The food service industry is facing challenges with labor shortages and rising costs, leading to a trend of using technology to reduce staff and increase efficiency. However, this should not come at the expense of accessibility and inclusivity.

The man's experience serves as a reminder that people with disabilities deserve the same level of service as everyone else. He continues to advocate for change, hoping to create a more inclusive society where everyone can enjoy a meal without facing unnecessary obstacles.