Full English Contrast Issues

Unpublished (quelle surprise - bloody prejudice!) letter to BD
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Dear Sir

Re: Document M not far enough

Dealing with the building regulations on daily basis, and being confined to a wheelchair, my attention was drawn to a horrendous prejudice that permeates all strata of society, sounds humorous but painfully reflects the attitudes towards some minorities.

Before work the other day, I visited my local ‘caff’ and ordered a No.1 (two eggs, bacon, etc.) twice, for my partially sighted colour-blind friend Brian and I. This was the first time I had eaten a meal out with Brian for ages, and I was distressed to see what happened next.

Due to his colour blindness and partial sight, he could not distinguish between various items on the plate. He had trouble finding the mushrooms, and instead picked a piping-hot tomato; he scalded his lips. Had the food been arranged according to the 30% contrast rule (which is a standard approach in architecture to ensure that the partially-sighted can perceive doors, frames, handrails, etc.), Brian’s lips would be unscalded. I would suggest that the egg be placed ‘nex’’ the beans, and hash brown adjacent to the beans. There would have been a few items that couldn’t sit together; beans, bacon, sausages, tomatoes and mushrooms. I have suggested that Brian submits his medical receipts to the caff for repayment.
I realised immediately that this prejudice of course applies to all served and sold food; white rice on a white plate, allergies to certain foods – all these situations are potentially dangerous.

The supplier of the service has a responsibility to supply a product that can be used successfully by the public. I believe that colour contrast taken into account with served products like this. No matter how up-market the restaurant, they should all be serving food that works with the same contrast included in the DDA. LRV standards should be enforced throughout the restaurant business.

I hope I have exposed a painful depressing problem that can now be addresses by those with the power.

Many regards,
Richard K Tecte, Architectural Assistant, London