Toothpicks, Poison Spinach, and a Lewd Monkey

How to find what you want at a store while blind

Hear me read this article on the Deep Sy podcast!

Automatic doors part, and fluorescent lights flood my already blurred vision as I step into a grocery store. I feel a vague sense of numbness because this will be tedious. I’ve already blocked off more time in my day than anyone should have to for food shopping.

I walk carefully, shortening the sweep of my white cane. I’ve learned through experience that store displays are sometimes top-heavy and precisely in the middle of walking paths. This is not my fault, but someone will act like it is if dozens of candy bags end up on the floor.

I go toward the sounds of checking out. Bar code scanners beeping, bags crinkling, people shouting “Price check!” I’m aiming for somewhere I know will have employees. I’m going to ask for someone to help me find my items, which isn’t an easy sell.

“Excuse me, would any of you employees who are paid less than a living wage and probably dislike being here want to stop what you’re doing, potentially shortening your break or lengthening your workday, to assist a blind shopper, something for which you were never trained and which will undoubtedly be awkward? Hello? Anyone?”