[Blindtlk] Buffet Lines

[Judy jones]

You're right about that, sometimes it is easier to get the assistance, it 
just depends on the situation.

Judy

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Julie J." <julielj at neb.rr.com>
To: "Blind Talk Mailing List" <blindtlk at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Monday, April 01, 2013 8:50 AM
Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] Buffet Lines


> 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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