Get ready for an insightful read! This comprehensive article dives into supermarket experiences and advocacy. If you're short on time, hit the "Listen to This Article" button to absorb its essence while you savour your coffee. 

As a person with sight loss, I've experienced my fair share of dismissive attitudes and inconsistent stocking practices at supermarkets. I've been told that items I purchased just days before were never even stocked, as though my sight loss is an excuse to belittle and doubt me. These recurring incidents go beyond mere inconvenience; they highlight a need for change, awareness, and inclusivity.

Introduction

Have you ever walked into your local supermarket expecting to find something you need, only to be told it's never been there, despite buying the said item just a few days ago? This has become an all-too-familiar experience for me as someone with sight loss who relies on assistive technology and in-store assistance.

This blog post isn't just about venting my frustrations; it's about shedding light on a crucial issue. It's about ensuring that people with disabilities are treated with respect, that our experiences and challenges are acknowledged. It's about challenging a dismissive attitude that seems to use our individual challenges as a reason to doubt us.

In this post, I'll share my recent encounters with dismissive attitudes and inconsistent stocking practices at my local Morrisons Daily supermarkets, as well as the personal anecdotes and invaluable insights of my fellow readers. I'll delve into the frustration of being told, "We've never sold that," despite having purchased the exact item just days before as though it’s somewhat acceptable to use my sight loss as an excuse to belittle. These recurring incidents go beyond mere inconvenience; they highlight a need for change, awareness, and inclusivity.

My Routine and Recurring Patterns

I visit my local Morrisons Daily three or four times a week for all the usual lines in fresh veg such as courgettes, peppers, mushrooms, and spinach. However, when I find the item out of stock and enquire of the staff of its ETA, I am regularly told: "We've never sold that; You must be mistaken." It's frustrating and disheartening, and sadly, it's happening more frequently. This isn't just about one item: it's about a recurring pattern that's eroding trust and inclusivity.

I'm not alone. Yvette Broadhurst shared a similar experience, recounting how she was told that her favourite soup wasn't stocked, despite having purchased it just a week prior. This inconsistency resonates with me, as I've encountered it repeatedly. She writes: “Sometimes, it feels as though the staff hasn't even checked their own inventory before dismissing my inquiries. This pattern, marked by dismissive attitudes, has started to erode the trust I once had in my local supermarkets.”

The Emotional Impact

Imagine stepping into a store, your shopping list prepared, and your sense of purpose guiding you through the aisles. You're seeking to fulfil a routine task, one which many might take for granted. However, as someone with additional access needs, the experience can be quite different. It's not just about finding the items; it's about-facing dismissive attitudes that question your very reality.

For individuals like me, who navigate the world with sight loss, encounters with dismissive responses can evoke more than just inconvenience. They unravel emotions—frustration, helplessness, and exclusion. The phrase, "We've never stocked this," becomes a refrain that rings in our ears, amplifying the sense of disbelief.

It's more than a casual statement; it's a reminder that our experiences are being invalidated. The emotional impact extends beyond the store's walls, seeping into our psyche. We find ourselves questioning our own memory, wondering if we somehow misremembered or misunderstood.

The emotional toll of dismissive attitudes is like an invisible weight—one that accumulates with each encounter. It's a feeling of isolation, of being pushed to the margins of society. The disbelief we face when we ask about missing items makes us feel like an inconvenience, as though our access needs are secondary.

Yet, as challenging as it is, we persist. We persist because the shopping experience should not be a battleground of emotions. It should not be a place where we second-guess ourselves or feel like outsiders. Our emotional well-being matters just as much as our physical accessibility.



Addressing this emotional toll requires a shift in perspective. It calls for empathy and understanding from supermarkets and their staff. It means recognizing that our experiences, our emotions, are just as valid as anyone else's. When staff undergo training that emphasises empathy, they help create an environment where everyone feels valued and respected.

As we advocate for change, let's remember the power of our stories. Each experience shared, each frustration expressed, chips away at the dismissive attitudes that persist. By speaking out, we not only shed light on the issue but also build a collective understanding of the emotional burden we carry.



In this journey towards inclusivity, we're not just seeking accessible shelves or assistive technology; we're striving for emotional accessibility. We're seeking an environment where dismissive attitudes are replaced with compassion, where our needs are met with understanding, and where we can shop with a sense of dignity and empowerment.

As we continue to advocate for change, let's focus on the emotional impact. Let's strive to create a shopping experience that doesn't just cater to our physical needs, but also nurtures our emotional well-being. By doing so, we're not just transforming aisles; we're transforming lives.

Proposed Solutions

Considering these recurring incidents, I've taken matters into my own hands to challenge and address the dismissive attitude that surrounds missing items and the constant belittling and underestimations. One practical approach I've adopted is retaining receipts for purchases, which reader, Annette White, also suggests. By saving relevant receipts, I'm armed with evidence that reinforces my concerns and enables me to address the issue effectively. This approach not only validates my concerns but also encourages supermarkets to acknowledge the problem and take corrective action.

Joined-up thinking is another practical solution which could mitigate against this problem. Supermarket staff's communication and understanding should be interconnected, ensuring consistent and accurate information is provided to all customers, regardless of their abilities. This involves not just recognising the challenge but actively working to find solutions.

Practical Ideas for Change

In addition to these personal actions, I believe that supermarkets can take several steps to improve the shopping experience for all customers, including those with disabilities. These steps include:

1. Enhanced Communication

Supermarkets could implement a system where customers receive email notifications when popular items are about to go out of stock or be delisted. This would be a great way to help people plan their shopping trips and avoid disappointment. For example, Frances Leckie pointed out that she often must go to multiple stores to find the items she needs, because she doesn't know when they're going to be out of stock. This system would help her to avoid this hassle and make her shopping experience more efficient.

4. Accessible Store Layout

Supermarkets could take the initiative to ensure their stores have clear and consistent layouts, with wide aisles and well-organised shelves. This would greatly assist people with various access needs, such as mobility challenges, in navigating the store confidently without constantly seeking assistance.

5. Assistive Technology Availability

Providing customers with access to assistive technology devices within the store can enhance their shopping experience. Implementing technology such as audio guides or apps that offer real-time store navigation and product information can empower people to shop more independently.

8. Community Engagement

Establishing regular feedback sessions or focus groups with customers who have disabilities can provide valuable insights for supermarkets to enhance their accessibility and customer service strategies.

Connecting Campaigns: Advocacy Beyond the Aisles

Throughout this journey of highlighting the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities in supermarkets, it becomes abundantly clear that dismissive attitudes and inadequate accessibility are not isolated issues. Instead, they underscore the need for a broader societal shift in perception and action. This quest for change goes hand in hand with my ongoing campaign, Taking the DIS out of Disability, which aims to transform the narratives and experiences of people with disabilities.

Here, my campaign strives to challenge misconceptions, shatter stereotypes, and foster inclusivity. It is a call to recognise everyone’s abilities, talents, and contributions, rather than focusing on what may be perceived as limitations. The journey towards a more inclusive world starts with conversations and awareness, and this blog post is one step in that direction.

You can be a part of this transformative movement by signing the Taking the DIS out of Disability petition. In so doing, you're standing up for inclusivity, respect, and equal treatment for all. Together, we can create a world where dismissive attitudes, inaccessible spaces, and unjust challenges become relics of the past. Your support matters, and your signature counts.

Furthermore, your participation adds strength to my collective voice and I'm grateful for your commitment to making a difference.

By standing together, we can pave the way for a future where supermarkets and society at large embrace diversity and accessibility, ensuring that no one is left behind.

Comprehensive Summary

In this thought-provoking journey, we've explored the frustration of encountering dismissive attitudes and inconsistent stocking practices at supermarkets. Through personal anecdotes and shared experiences, we've illuminated the challenges faced by individuals with access needs and the importance of respectful communication. We've unveiled the unsettling pattern of items being denied, even when purchased just days prior. This recurring theme sheds light on the need for change, not just in practices but in perceptions too.

From embracing practical actions like retaining receipts, as suggested by Annette White, to advocating for joined-up thinking among staff members, we've unearthed solutions that bridge the gap between awareness and action. The potential financial impact of dismissive attitudes, emphasised by Brian Cunningham, underscores the value of every customer's experience.

Amidst these discussions, we've recognised the emotional impact of dismissive attitudes, acknowledging the frustration and belittlement that result. We've also connected this issue with the broader Taking the DIS out of Disability campaign, inviting readers to join in advocating for respectful treatment and inclusivity.

As we conclude this journey, let's remember that change begins with awareness and action. Let's strive for a shopping experience that respects the dignity of all customers, regardless of their access needs. Together, we can pave the way for a more inclusive and respectful world.

Conclusion

We've travelled through the realm of supermarket struggles, dismissed items, and the power of advocacy. Remember, every voice matters, and every action counts. As we navigate the aisles of change, let's work towards a future where dismissive attitudes are replaced with understanding, and where inclusion is a cornerstone of every shopping experience.



In a world that constantly evolves, let's evolve our perspective too. Let's not just see aisles and products; let's see the individuals navigating them. Let's not just strive for accessibility; let's aim for empathy. Let's champion not just change; let's champion respect. As we continue to advocate for change, let's focus on the emotional impact. Let's strive to create a shopping experience that doesn't just cater to our physical needs, but also nurtures our emotional well-being. By doing so, we're not just transforming aisles; we're transforming lives.