[Blindtlk] Buffet Lines

[Julie J.]

Kelby,

I've found that if I have a choice I prefer to go through a buffet on the 
side that puts my guide dog furthest from the buffet.  I'm not worried about 
him being inappropriate, sniffing or snatching food, but if he is in between 
me and the food, it means that I have to reach over and it's awkward.   He 
always positions himself parallel to the buffet, so as I'm facing the buffet 
he's at a 90 degree angle to me, standing behind me.  When I'm ready to move 
I turn to line up correctly with the direction of travel, tell him to "step 
up" which is something I taught him which means that he should proceed only 
a step or two.

At buffets with regular plates I have filled and carried them myself.   Put 
small items like napkins, utensils and straws in a pocket if you can, it 
saves valuable hand real estate!  I make multiple trips to get a drink, 
soup, dessert etc., rather than trying to make one mega trip.

The only place I've encountered the tray type of buffet was on a college 
cafeteria last summer when I was attending a leadership training thing.  I 
found it best for me to ask for assistance in that situation to carry my 
tray.  There were lots of little islands, some self service, some with staff 
behind the counter who would take your order.  I think if I were a regular 
college student I would have figured out what was what and been able to do 
more myself, but for the three days I was there it worked out fine.

Oh, almost all of the time I find a sighted person to let me know what the 
food choices are, but generally I fill my own plate.  Working my guide dog 
with food in my other hand hasn't been a problem.  Of course I can't use 
hand signals so I have to be mindful to be clear with verbal directions.  He 
knows both, but responds a bit better with hand signals.  Still it hasn't 
been a problem.  As much as is possible I try to keep my plate held in front 
of my body, not off to the side, because the guide dog isn't going to factor 
in the additional width.  Of course a dog can be taught to account for 
something  additional on your right side, like a large bag or a baby 
stroller you are pulling, but this requires training and practice.

Anyhow that's how I manage.  I hope others will share some ideas.  Buffets 
are not one of my favorite things.  Some more ideas would be great!
Julie



-----Original Message----- 
From: Kelby Carlson
Sent: Monday, April 01, 2013 7:26 AM
To: blindtlk at nfbnet.org
Subject: [Blindtlk] Buffet Lines

(This may have already been sent; e-mail is glitching.)

I wish I could come to Maryland, as I'd love to know how y'all do
buffet lines.  (Especially when their are trays and guide dogs
involved.)

Kelby S.  Carlson

Vanderbilt University


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