Celebrated every July, Disability Pride Month is an opportunity to honor the history, experiences, and struggles of the disability community. Marking the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which was passed on July 26, 1990, events nationwide celebrate the pride and empowerment of people with disabilities.
According to the 2021 U.S. Census, there are 42.5 million Americans with disabilities, including sensory, cognitive, and mobility issues. With such a large segment of Americans fitting into this category, creating an inclusive environment that caters to those with all physical and mental capabilities at your restaurant, has never been more important.
One company, RightHear, has been on a mission to develop and implement innovative technology that makes businesses, including restaurants, accessible to the disabled population by pioneering the concept of "indoor orientation."
Ideal for restaurants of all sizes, this novel concept introduces a new dimension of interaction with environments through “audio format signage,” an innovative approach that goes beyond traditional navigation.
Through a free smartphone app that connects to over 2,000 accessible locations worldwide, RightHear's technology converts physical cues into auditory signals, transforming the way users perceive and navigate spaces, and unlocking a spectrum of possibilities.
Offering a dynamic way for those with sensory, cognitive, and physical challenges to engage with their surroundings, RightHear has already transformed over 2,400 businesses worldwide, making them accessible to people with low vision, cognitive impairments, and orientation challenges. By redefining access, they’ve successfully unlocked previously inaccessible places, fostering safety, independence, freedom, and confidence to the disabled.
Creating an environment that comes to life through audio descriptions delivered directly to a smartphone or tablet, diners with disabilities are able to enjoy, explore, and navigate the dining experience independently, easily, and safely.
How RightHear Works
Supportive of any type or size of restaurant, from a large fine dining establishment to an intimate cafe, RightHear is easy to install, program, and use. The app-based talking signage works both indoors and outdoors, and does not require any GPS, wiring, or internet connection. More widely understood than braille, in a post-pandemic world, the no-touch solution is preferable for hygiene and safety purposes.
The RightHear system has 3 main components: Bluetooth Beacons, a free mobile app, and an online portal.
1. Bluetooth Beacons
Access beacons, discreetly placed at points of interest , instantly deliver audio descriptions to customers by easily pinpointing crucial spots like restrooms, entrances, and beverage dispensers, or announcing daily menu specials and audible menus. Smoothly integrated without the need for complex system setups, WiFi, or electricity, the simple and efficient system was designed for seamless accessibility. For most restaurants, only one beacon is necessary, normally positioned at the entrance, making price plans extremely affordable.
2. Free Smartphone App
Without the need for GPS or internet connection, available for both Android and iOS, and supporting 26 languages, the free app makes the system accessible to a diverse customer base.
3. Online Portal
Customizable dashboards let restaurant set up notifications, receive reports, and conduct research and analyzes through an online portal.
How Audio Format Signage Helps Restaurants
Provides customers with an accessible, equitable, and convenient dining experience
Creates an accessible and inclusive environment for restaurant employees
Potential to expand market share and customer reach
Complies with ADA acessibility and inclusion guidelines and policies
Improves brand image
Take Away
Making your restaurant accessible and disability-friendly for all diners is an important goal, achievable by making some small but important changes to your restaurant. RightHear’s innovative technology is helping to empower people with disabilities to acquire better spatial orientation and independently participate in the dining experience.
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By Eileen Strauss
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