Editor:
Looking for action, no apologies.
I am curious about the training that store personnel receive for dealing with customers who are blind or low vision.
Are they made aware of what the white cane means? Are they trained to use verbal cues when assisting a customer with a white cane? I have had several frustrating experiences in the last year, which leads me to think there is a lack of education in this area.
I used to think this was an ESL issue, but I've had this challenge with English-speaking customer service representatives as well. I am not asking for an apology. As a disability advocate/motivational speaker, I would be willing to host training sessions free of charge to improve the shopping experience for people who are blind or low vision.
I asked for assistance in finding a kitchen appliance at London Drugs in uptown New Westminster and, when someone did come to the front desk, he just stood off to the side and didn't say a word.
I have some vision and was scanning for the rep, so I caught his eye and asked him if he was waiting to assist me. He nodded and pointed towards the back of the store and started walking. Luckily, I have enough vision to track a person, so I followed him.
When he got to the area I wanted, he once again gestured vaguely. I had to prompt him: "I can't see where you're pointing. Please show me." He tapped quickly on a box and hurried away.
I suspect his English wasn't very good and he was apprehensive that I would ask further questions. I'm sorry, but this is unacceptable. My boyfriend, who is totally blind, would have been completely lost in this situation, from identifying the clerk at the front desk to getting the product he wanted.
(I’ve had) similar challenges with cashiers at Save-On Foods and Walmart, both ESL and English-speakers, in Uptown. They ring up my purchases, then just stand there silently. I have to prompt them to tell me my purchase total. Many of them point or nod at the screen and I have to explain that I can't read it. As an ESL instructor myself, I understand that reading numbers aloud can be challenging, but I consider this a basic duty of the job.
Kristy Kassie, New Westminster
