Grocery Shopping Definitions People who are blind or have low vision use many different techniques for grocery shopping. Not all methods we detail below will be useful for everyone. As well, using only one method may not be enough. However, we are confident that a combination of strategies will enable any blind/low vision person to get the things he or she needs and wants from a grocery store.
Various methods of grocery shopping include:
Personal shopper. A personal shopper is an employee of the store and is a great way to get assistance navigating the store. Knowing the exact items ahead of time is helpful when using this method, including brands of foods and sizes (e.g., a 15-ounce can or a 28-ounce can of tomatoes). Online Shopping. Most grocery stores now have the option to shop online. Within the online shopping option, you can go to the store to pick up your pre-purchased items, or you can pay extra to have the groceries delivered directly to your home. It is also an option to re-order any previous orders and save items to a favorite list. Use Apps to help find items. If you are familiar with a store's layout, it may be helpful to use an app that can read items for you. This option also provides the most independence. Apps such as Seeing AI can narrate the world around you, including reading individual items that are placed in front of your phone’s camera. Go with a trusted person. A trusted person could be a family member, friend, or volunteer. This will allow you to have transport to and from the store, and to get assistance locating any items. Guiding Questions Do you currently do any grocery shopping? What methods do you currently use or do you think you will use? Have you ever used a personal shopper at a grocery store? Do you know how to find a personal shopper once you arrive at a grocery store? Does your local grocery store offer online shopping? Have you explored different apps that can tell you the item you are holding? Have online shopping apps/websites been accessible for you? Resources Cash Reader App – Available on IOS and Android devices. With this app, you can point your phone’s camera in the direction of a dollar bill and the app will tell you the value of the bill in real time. Users do not need to worry about the light, angle, or focusing the camera. The app also has a vibration feature. For $1, it vibrates once, $2, twice, $5, three times, $10, four times, etc. Many currencies from around the world are available. To access all denominations a paid subscription is required.
Seeing AI App – This app is free and available on IOS and Android devices. This app narrates the world around the user. This app can be used to help find specific items in the store.
Lookout App – Only available on Android devices and free to download and use. This app uses computer vision and generative AI to assist people with low vision or blindness to get things done faster and more easily. Using your phone's camera, Lookout makes it easier to get more information about the world around you and do daily tasks more efficiently like reading text and documents, sorting mail, putting away groceries, and more.
Be My Eyes – This app is free to download and use and is available on IOS and Android devices. This app connects blind and low-vision individuals with sighted users who can provide visual assistance.
Aira App Aira is an app that connects people who are blind or have low vision to professional visual interpreters, using their phone’s camera. Available on Android and IOS devices, users pay for minutes that can be used for various purposes, including assistance in the grocery store. Check out this introduction to Aira video for more information.
How Do People Who Are Blind and Visually Impaired Shop Independently? - This article explores and explains various methods by which someone who is blind or has vision loss may shop independently.
Accessible Grocery Shopping for People with Visual Impairments | American Foundation for the Blind (afb.org) - This resource reviews some options for well-known chain groceries like Kroger, Safeway, and Walmart.
