Recently I came across a solution that could not only revolutionize restaurant payments, but would make it much more accessible to blind people as well. It is called CheckPlease. It is a simple app which allows you to pick a restaurant, order from the menu, and pay using your phone.
The end result, waiters will have to spend less time at your table, you can take your time to order, you don’t have to wait for your bill, and the restaurant can turn the tables much faster.
And the hidden benefit, it will make the process much more accessible for people with disabilities.
When I read about the app, I immediately got excited about how much easier it could make my life, and I was ready to try it. I contacted the creator of the app, Mike Bernicker to enquire how and when can I try it out in action. Unfortunately, the closest restaurant which uses the service was in Philadelphia, and while I was ready to get on the next flight to experience what the future will look like, Mike gave me an even better idea. He was able to allow me to try a demo version of the app, simulating real time what the purchasing experience feels like, so I didn’t even have to get out of my office.
I tried it the same day, and it works like a charm. After downloading the app, one can select from a list of restaurants. The app will have a search functionality once there are more restaurants, and will also take advantage of location services to show you the restaurants nearby.
Once the restaurant is selected, there is a fully accessible menu you can order from. You can add each item to your order, any time during your meal. Once you are done, you can check out, pay your bill and leave.
The app is not necessarily fully accessible, but it is easy and convenient to use with VoiceOver.
The first thing I liked about the app was that there is the most up-to-date menu and it is accessible. Usually in a restaurant, I have to find a service that hosts the menu and hope it is updated. Then I don’t even know about the daily specials unless I ask or if the waiter tells me. Not to mention that I can never be sure if the menu will be available electronically, and if it will be accessible.
Then the next thing is the payment. Probably one of the scenarios where I most often feel helpless and dependent, because the check usually comes out in print that I cannot read. Of course, there are technologies that I could use, but I still need to find the place for the signature and the tip. This is when I need to ask for help, and need to wait until somebody is available. I can’t tell you how many times they just drop the check on my table, sometimes I don’t even notice it, and even when I do, the waiter already walked away. Sometimes it can be an awkward process just to pay my bill.
With CheckPlease, all of those issues are solved, while making my life more efficient. It is a typical example of an invention that makes life easier to all, while making it accessible for people with disabilities.
I would encourage you to try it out. What do you think? Is this a service you would use? If you have a restaurant, would you offer it to your clients?
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