LARGE PRINT MENUS Friendly’s Restaurant Now Offering Large Print Menus

August 19, 2010 – Oswego, NY - Great news for individuals who have difficulty reading the print on restaurant menus due to vision loss: Friendly’s is now the third restaurant in Oswego to offer a large-print menu to patrons.
 
On August 16, Patrick Dewine, Manager of the Friendly’s Restaurant on Bridge Street in Oswego,  accepted eight copies of the large-print menus from members of the Vision Network,  an advocacy group which works to make access to the community easier for individuals with vision loss.  The menus, with items and price written in a 36-point bold font, are available by asking the server. Descriptions of the dishes are omitted to make it easier to navigate the page.
Laura Smith, President of Oswego County Visually Impaired (OCVI), a support group, retyped the menu and ARISE arranged for printing and collating.  Bea Welch accompanied Laura and Sabine Ingerson, Chairperson of the Vision Network and Director of ARISE in Oswego to make the presentation to Mr. Dewine. He thanked the Vision Network representatives for the donation of the menus, and believes that there a quite a few customers who would enjoy them.
When previewing a copy of the menu, a Vision Network participant said “I’m so glad to learn about this option as I have friends who need assistance reading the items on the regular menu.”
It is important to spread the word about the availability of these large-print menus as they are another step in increasing independence for persons with vision loss. Vision loss can be caused by cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, other diseases, or just by growing older. Large print menus in Oswego can be found at Canale’s, Bridie Manor, and now Friendly’s.
ARISE works with individuals with all types of disabilities and has a goal to make our communities accessible to all. “Being a part of the Vision Network furthers our mission,” Sabine Ingerson said. “We partner with individuals with vision loss and representatives of the Office for the Aging and OCO to advocate for positive change.” In addition to the large print menus the group has been instrumental in retaining Call-N-Ride in Oswego County, and works to educate on issues affecting those with vision loss.
For more information, contact Sabine Ingerson at 342-4088 extension 210