Does your supermarket have an autism-friendly period?
By Judy Evans
@JudyEv (325759)
Rockingham, Australia
June 12, 2019 1:53am CST
The photo shows a small portion of a business window in Trim, County Meath, Ireland. Each notice suggests ways in which a business could make their place more accessible for those with disabilities. Some are very common already such as installing ramps as well as steps or making toilets wheelchair-friendly. Others include raised buttons to help the visually impaired and placing buttons for ATMs and parking meters at lower levels accessible to those in wheelchairs.
However the one that impressed me the most, and which has already been implemented in many grocery stores in the areas, is having an autism-friendly atmosphere one evening a week. In-store music is toned right down, lights are very subdued and even the check-out noises are softened. I guess one evening a week may not seem like much but at least it’s a start. Do you know of this in your region?
37 people like this
39 responses
@sissy15 (12269)
• United States
12 Jun 19
That's actually really impressive. I wish they had that in the stores here. My son isn't autistic but he has sensory processing disorder and when there is too much noise he gets overwhelmed and loud and busy stores can really be a pain to take him into at times but his isn't severe thankfully and his sensory issues have been getting better but I can only imagine what it's like being autistic and having to deal with that or being a parent with autistic children and having to go to the store with them by yourself and having to deal with meltdowns on top of shopping. Our stores don't do anything like that. I like seeing stores that take the time to think about all of their customers and not just the "normal" ones.
3 people like this
@arunima25 (85277)
• Bangalore, India
12 Jun 19
That's such a good start. I wish there were many more such starts across the world.
My country sadly is not so sensitive to disabilities in public places. Some new establishments are coming with facilities for physical disabilities. But autism and other neuro disorders are still a taboo. A lot needs to be done to sensitize the society and make it inclusive.
2 people like this
@arunima25 (85277)
• Bangalore, India
13 Jun 19
@JudyEv Yes. We have just started with it. We are at budding stage. Parents have started being advocates and fighting for rights of such children and adults. I it's a welcoming start. 
1 person likes this
@pumpkinjam (8540)
• United Kingdom
13 Jun 19
I know that one local supermarket (well, one in the next town) did do an Autism friendly trial. I'm sure I read that it was successful but I'm not sure if they made it a regular thing.
I prefer to shop online and have it delivered. My autistic son will go to the local shop but, although he has come shopping with me and will do if I ask/tell him to, he does not like big supermarkets. Saying that, I don't know if he's just a normal boy who doesn't like shopping or if the size and sensory stimuli is too much for him. Personally, I despise shopping and crowds so I'm quite happy to not do it at all! I am glad to see there are things happening to help people with difficulties, though.
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@pumpkinjam (8540)
• United Kingdom
21 Jun 19
@JudyEv If we go at the right time, it can be quiet. It's just knowing the right time - but that's often around the middle of the night! It's still too big and too bright, though.
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@JudyEv (325759)
• Rockingham, Australia
22 Jun 19
@pumpkinjam Not many shops here are open 24/7. There are a few in the big cities.
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@MALUSE (69413)
• Germany
21 Jun 19
@JudyEv I once asked a shop-assistant if the constant playing of Christmas carols didn't drive her crazy. She was surprised. She said she didn't hear the music any more.
This is definitely not good for your ears. Constant noise, even if it isn't very loud, is not healthy.
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@JudyEv (325759)
• Rockingham, Australia
21 Jun 19
I think many of us would prefer a quieter environment when we're shopping.
@DocAndersen (54413)
• United States
12 Jun 19
wegman's our local grocer actually does something very similar. So cool!!!!
2 people like this
@Acefun (1220)
• Malaysia
13 Jun 19
It is corporate social responsibility mission of the supermarket. They are helping the unfortunate children to get some money for their living, making them to have a sense of achievement to the society and reduce unemployment too.
In my country, less number of company is willing to hire disability person even though there are discussion between the social welfare body and some small-and-medium size companies. Thus, there are making some home-made soap for sell and having some incentive for doing this activity.
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@Acefun (1220)
• Malaysia
19 Jun 19
@JudyEv
The loud sound and music are to attract people to visit their store. It might be their strategy but personally I do not like this environment as I cannot speak with other person and my followers clearly and comfortable.
It is uncomfortable to some of us same as those special need person.
1 person likes this
@crazyhorseladycx (39515)
• United States
13 Jun 19
no ma'am, not that i'd be 'ware 'f. sounds wonderful though 's there's so many folks who've troubles with all that - e'en folks with p.t.s.d. could benefit.
there's wheelchair access 'n most oft those lowered door opener buttons. i doubt such 'twas done from the businesses hearts, 'tis required by law.
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@crazyhorseladycx (39515)
• United States
13 Jun 19
@JudyEv yes ma'am, we're the same.
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@amandajay (23264)
• New Zealand
13 Jun 19
I haven't seen anything here yet... may be they will implement things in here too
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@stapllotik (1933)
• India
13 Jun 19
That's impressive. I've not seen such set up in my country.
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@Kleintjie (54)
• Rustenburg, South Africa
13 Jun 19
That is so wonderful and a good idea!! All of us can do with less noise around us.
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@JudyEv (325759)
• Rockingham, Australia
13 Jun 19
I don't think any of us need the bright lights and loud music. It's possible to shop quite well without them.
@Kleintjie (54)
• Rustenburg, South Africa
13 Jun 19
@JudyEv Yes Judy I do agree! But we can only dream of a quiet shopping experience!
1 person likes this
