Main pic from L-R: Sean McCosker, Hanna Van Der Walt (Bloem Cafe), Lilly Pyper and Amber Pyper tyring out the new ‘easy read’ menu.
The No Barriers Foundation will tomorrow launch the first inclusive ‘easy read’ menu in Donegal.
The project was designed in collaboration with Bloem café, Letterkenny, graduates of the DS Champions programme alongside Donegal Down Syndrome Association and people who have lived experience of Neurodiversity.
The easy-read format includes real photos of the actual food as well as a written description of the snacks, drinks and meals. The format ensures that all menu users, including those who may face challenges within their learning or communication skills, can order with confidence and independence.
The process of ‘co-production’ was used to produce the easy read menu. Co-production involves people with disabilities in the design and production of the product and invites continuous reviews until the end product is effective for all.
Last Thursday morning, Lilly Pyper, a graduate of the DS Champions health and wellbeing programme at No Barriers Foundation, said; “I love it! I can read the menu now and order by myself”.
Amber Pyper, Lilly’s Mum said she doesn’t have to read the menu to her anymore.
“Lilly can make her own choices now and order from the menu like everyone else,” she explained.
Seanie McMenamin is impressed with the new easy read menu.
In a recent visit to No Barriers Foundation, Simon Harris, Taoiseach, described the easy read menu as ‘a brilliant idea’.
“The idea that you can just pick up a menu with pictures and order, this is just going to make a transformational difference for people,” Taoiseach Harris said.
“The rest of the country can learn from this initiative by No Barriers Foundation.”
Johnny Loughrey, CEO of No Barriers Foundation said they are an inclusive health facility focusing on an individual’s physical and mental health.
“This menu is a great addition for people to feel included in our community. Going for a cuppa with a friend or a family member has just got better,” he said.
No Barriers Foundation, Clinical Lead and Programme Coordinator, Andrea McFeely, initiated the easy read menu project.
“Co-production is an essential process when designing anything because it includes people with lived experience by listening to their opinions and values their input and ideas,” she said.
“This is more than just a menu, it’s real action, a step towards promoting community inclusion and a rights based approach within our community.”
No Barriers Foundation in collaboration with Bloem Café is just one example of how the organisation is working to break down social barriers that often prevent people with disabilities from being active members of their communities.
The accessible easy read menu is available at Bloem Café from tomorrow, Tuesday. “Come on in, try it out, and let us know your thoughts. Your feedback helps us build a more inclusive future, a future for everyone.”
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