For most of us, eating is not so complicated. However, some obstacles, yet harmless to us, may put off a person with physical disabilities. Many restaurateurs have adapted to customers with visual, hearing or motor, but still need to find these restaurants.
Since 1979, Kéroul, a non-profit organization, evaluates the accessibility of tourist and cultural institutions in Quebec, whether they are accommodations, tourist attractions or restaurants. Laure Durand, coordinator for research and development, recognizes that his organization has gaps in the evaluation of restaurants
"It's harder for us to develop partnerships with restaurants because there is a higher risk of closing a [place of accommodation]. But we realize that tourists want to sleep in one place, but they also need to restore. »
Kéroul evaluates restaurants a city at a time. With a list of restaurants available Bonjour Québec.com, the evaluation team contacted the restaurant to ask if they are interested in being evaluated. Subsequently, the team assesses the facility for an estimated duration of 30 minutes. Everything is taken into account, starting from the parking to the payment process through access to input and sanitation. Ms. Durand, entry and bathroom are the main barriers for people with disabilities.
The type of building can have an influence on some brakes. For example, L'Entrecote St-Jean, located in Montreal, is a restaurant that is one level, facilitating access for the disabled. Jacqueline Reverberi, owner of this establishment for 15 years, says also have an adapted toilet for disabled on the ground floor. The formation of some employees can also improve service to people with certain disabilities.
"I have used - but that's a coincidence - who has studied [sign language], but it is not there permanently," says Reverberi.
When the building is not suitable to accommodate people with physical disabilities, some adjustments are expected. Sylvie Lessard, co-owner for over twenty years Manoir du Lac William says:
"When we did our expansion, bath rooms were relocated for the disabled to make it more accessible, easier. It also has a section in the dining area where there are no stairs. »
At these adjustments was added the installation of a lift, but also the purchase of wheelchairs, walkers and canes available free of charge to persons with reduced mobility. Ms. Lessard added that these adjustments were not complicated to achieve, but it takes the will to do it.
For restaurateurs who hesitate before embarking on renovations, Ms. Durand said that people with disabilities rarely travel alone. For example, in an organization of an event like a wedding must take into account the presence of people with physical disabilities. "[The restaurant] not only lose a customer, they lose 10 to 15 clients at a time," says Durand.
For example, the Brasserie Fleurimont welcomes every month a group of people in wheelchairs. "There are several places in the restaurant which is simple for them, says co-owner Pascale Migneault, but I know that they just like a specific location, so it's easy with wheelchairs. »
If a restaurant wants to make changes to promote accessibility, Ms. Lessard recommended to contact Keroul. In case of doubt into the technical details, it is still possible to work with people with physical disabilities, for example to check if the tables can accommodate wheelchairs. As recalled Ms. Migneault, "[he] has to be accessible. They must have the pleasure of coming out to eat. »
