Getting Groceries with Vision Loss

Navigating a grocery store with vision loss can be overwhelming - so many items, small print labels, the bustle of shoppers, and the occasional aisle "relocation" (I'm looking at you Walmart). No one wants to shop an obstacle course - to dodge, weave, and scoot around - let alone someone with vision loss.

I'm DeafBlind and I've shopped as a single person, as married mom with kids in tow, and now with various services. These all come with varying monetary costs, independence, and technology.

Let me show you several of my grocery-shopping hacks:

The Shopping List

Writing a shopping list can be a challenge for people with vision loss, especially if they are used to writing lists by hand. Here are a few tips that can help:

• Use a bold-tipped pen or marker on high-contrast paper. This will make it easier to see the words on the list.
• Organize your list by category. This will make it easier to find the items you need when you are shopping.
• Use a checklist format. This can help you keep track of the items you have already purchased.
• Use a voice recorder or a dictation app. This can be a hands-free way to add items to your list.
• Use a shopping list app. There are many apps available that can help you create and manage your shopping lists. Some of these apps have accessibility features to enable seeing it better by changing font size, background color & more.

Getting There

1. Walking: If you live close to a grocery store consider walking there. You'll get good exercise, the feeling of independence, and you get familiar with your neighborhood.

2. Rideshare: Both the Uber and Lyft apps are compatible with VoiceOver iOS and Android TalkBack, which voices the screen to low-vision and blind users. While riding in a RideShare open up your GPS and "follow along" to ensure the driver is heading where you want to go.

3. Public Transit: Another viable way to get around is by bus. Many cities offer discount fares for low-vision riders. Find your city's public transit website & find the nearest bus stop and explore the route map to find the most convenient grocery store. Hint - it's not always the closest one to your home. Pick a store that's easy to stop at and has a return route without many exchanges or long wait times.

If you walk or ride to the store you'll need a reliable way to get your groceries home safely. I recommend:

• A shopping cart: Get a large roomy one with a bar-type handle and four wheels so you can safely pull it behind you and use your white cane or other method of getting home safely. A two-wheeled shopping cart that requires tipping to maneuver becomes increasingly unwieldy over time. A cart with a liner or even a small cooler to protect against the weather is a bonus.
• A wagon: A good wagon with large wheels for easy maneuverability and high sides to prevent your groceries from spilling is a great tool. Many are collapsible to the size of a large book, and you can jury-rig a strap to carry your collapsed wagon until you've purchase your groceries.

In The Store

Once you're at your grocery store, locating items on your list can be time-consuming due to the store's size and product arrangement. Before I discovered these hacks, it took me 2 hours to find about 15 items.

1. Personal Assistant: Some grocery stores and big chain stores will offer a personal shopping assistant in-store to guide you around the store and read labels and prices. Be sure to call ahead to verify if they offer this service and if one is available when you plan to arrive.

2. Apps: Many of the bigger stores have an app and entering an item will show you the aisle and location of that item. I've used Walmart's and Target's app to enter items, find the aisle and my items much quicker.

Target has their own specific app for low-vision and blind users called Aira. It has professionally trained volunteers that can describe products, find sales, and place orders for you.

A great app is called Be My Eyes, which has volunteers who will look through your camera view and describe what they're seeing. It's great not just for shopping but anytime you need extra help seeing.

From Home

Technology and services have improved so much since my aggravating 2-hour long shopping trip. It's so convenient now that you can order right from your favorite chair.

Here are several Grocery Services I've used:

1. Instacart: I've used Instacart for my local grocery store. I find it very convenient where I can search for an item and then select the size and quantity, or I can scan barcodes of items that need refilled and pay in the app. A shopper goes to the store and purchases the items for you if any items are out, the shopper will text you asking what you would like to do and even suggest suitable replacements. The shopper then delivers to your door - usually within 2 hours of your order time.

2. Amazon Fresh: I can't get this service in my area, but it may be available for you. I love using Amazon in general so I wanted to list it here. Simply shop on their Amazon page for your shopping list and arrange delivery. They have a much larger variety of options to choose from than Walmart or your local grocery store - such as ethnic cuisines.

3. Amazon's Subscribe & Save: Another Amazon service that I have used is their Subscribe & Save feature. This is very handy in order frequently bought items such as toilet paper, pet food, beauty and healthcare, and more. Again, shop on the app, add to your subscribe and save list and chose your frequency - weekly, monthly, every 3 weeks, etc. and save 15% off and free shipping.

4. Walmart+: Walmart has a service called Walmart+ which offers home delivery plus other member benefits. You get same-day grocery delivery plus a host of other conveniences. They claim you can save $1,300 a year. It's $12.95 a month but if you're on government assistance you get 50% off.

Shop in Bulk

I would get my bulk items on trips I take with a friend, relative, or someone I could trust who has a car. This way I'm not lugging home heavy or bulky items by myself.

This way you have reliable transportation, a stocked pantry/closet, money saved, less energy expended trying to get these home on your own, and even better - a companion to chat with.

Consider offering compensation for the ride, such as access to your Costco or Sam's Club membership. Both Costco and Sam's Club allow members to bring up to two guests with them to shop.

Wrapping Up

Shopping for groceries should be a convenient and enjoyable experience whether you have vision loss or not.

If you're not at the level of independence where you feel comfortable getting around, please consider getting Orientation and Mobility Training (O & M). It's training to effectively and safely get around on your own.

What other ideas do you have that make shopping easier?