Digital menus are transforming events, but too often they overlook accessibility. From screen-reader compatibility and high-contrast design to clear allergen info, inclusive digital menus ensure every guest can browse, order, and enjoy without barriers. For venues and planners, prioritising accessible digital menus isn’t just about compliance—it’s about creating a smoother, more welcoming experience for everyone.
Have you ever been at an event where you’re handed a smartphone or tablet to browse the menu, only to feel totally lost navigating the list of options—because it’s just not built for everyone? That’s exactly the disconnect between digital menus and guest accessibility that so many venue managers and event planners are scrambling to fix. So let’s dive into why accessible digital menus matter, what makes a menu screen‑reader‑friendly, and how embracing inclusive menu design and ADA‑compliant event tech creates a smoother, more welcoming experience for all guests. Because at the end of the day, event hire pros need guest accessibility solutions that don’t just look cool, they truly work—for everyone.
What’s the deal with digital menus?
The rise of digital menus has been a fast-moving trend—clickable, flashy, and convenient. But a lot of those menus are created with only sighted, tech-savvy users in mind. That means people using screen readers, who rely on high contrast or even guests with motor impairments struggle to access these menus. And honestly, it’s a missed opportunity. A well-designed digital menu reflects your event’s commitment to accessibility and inclusivity—regardless of guests’ abilities.
Why accessible digital menus matter
- Equal experience
Everyone deserves a seamless ordering experience. A savvy mobile menu is fun, but if it shuts out a guest with a visual or motor impairment, the experience just isn’t equal. - Compliance with laws
ADA rules in the US—or its equivalents in the UK and EU—are increasingly being enforced in the digital realm. Venues using digital menus need to embrace ADA-compliant event tech or risk legal trouble and unhappy guests. - Brand reputation & word-of-mouth
Inclusive menu design broadcasts that your brand cares. That empathy translates into positive buzz—and repeat bookings through your event hire business.
How to make digital menus screen-reader-friendly
So what’s in an accessible digital menu? Let’s break it down:
- Semantic HTML & ARIA roles
Don’t just slap on a menu image. Use proper headings (<h1>, <h2>) and labels so screen readers can navigate easily. Use ARIA roles to highlight clickable components—buttons, form controls, etc. - Descriptive alt text
Every image or icon—even a cute taco graphic—needs alt text. E.g. alt=”Soft corn taco with grilled chicken”. That way, screen-reader users aren’t left guessing what’s available. - Keyboard navigation
Some guests rely on keyboards or assistive tech instead of touch. Make sure they can tab through categories, skip sections, and activate “Add to order” with ease. - Color contrast & font size
Ditch the pastel color text on pastel background. Aim for a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1, big fonts, and scalable text for zooming. That benefits visually impaired users—or the visually tired after a long night. - Live text, not images
Photo‑based menus look great, but they don’t work for screen readers or text-to-speech software. Instead, menus should use real, selectable text for dish titles, ingredients, allergens, and prices.
The result? A screen-reader-friendly menu that caters to guests relying on assistive tech and leaves them feeling included, informed, and empowered.
Inclusive menu design: A guest-centered approach
Inclusive menu design goes beyond meeting technical requirements. It’s about mindset and empathy. Here’s how to embrace it:
- Clear structure
Break items into thoughtfully labeled groups—“Starters,” “Mains,” “Vegan Options.” Add collapsible sections to reduce overwhelm—especially helpful for guests using screen readers. - Ingredient & allergen info
Label everything—“contains nuts,” “gluten-free,” “vegan option.” And yes, list the allergens in plain text. - Visual and text cues
An icon of a leaf for vegan dishes works for sighted people. Ensure there is also a text cue (“Vegan option”) for assistive readers. - Consistent layout
Avoid a chaotic mix of pop-ups, overlays, and shifting menus. Present the digital menu with predictable, stable navigation flow.
ADA‑compliant event tech & guest accessibility solutions
If you’re an innovative event planner or venue using easyEventhire’s touch-screen kiosks or QR‑code tablets—great! But ensure your digital menus aren’t just smart, they’re accessible. Here are some guest accessibility solutions to consider:
- WCAG 2.1 AA compliance
Aim for compliance with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines. It covers a majority of screen-reader use, keyboard access, and other assistive features. - Accessibility toggles
Offer a high‑contrast mode, larger text, or an audio narrator that reads items aloud. - Menu testing
Involve real users. Use screen readers like NVDA or VoiceOver, ask for feedback, and iterate. This is user‑centered design in action. - Staff training
It’s not enough to offer an accessible system. Your front‑of‑house staff need to know how to assist guests in switching modes—or switching to a paper menu if needed. Don’t assume everyone “gets it.”
Why easyEventhire’s event hire services rock
We’re all about combining top-quality event hire hardware with leading accessible menu tech. Here’s what that looks like:
- Fully configurable devices – Tablets and kiosks pre‑loaded with accessible digital menus, high‑contrast themes, adjustable font size, screen-reader friendly walls of text.
- On‑site training – Our team shows your staff how to guide guests using both the digital interface and support features.
- Environmental considerations – Think double eco‑points: we reduce paper waste by going digital, and our rental devices are maintained for long life. That’s sustainable event hire speaking!
- Dedicated support – From setup to day‑of troubleshooting, our event hire services include backup on standby so you can focus on the guest experience.
Real-life example
Picture this: Branches Conference in Manchester. Attendees choose their lunch via tablets at the event entrance. One attendee—Alisha—works with screen‑reader software, and without an accessible digital menu, she’s shut out of choosing lunch. But thanks to our screen-reader-friendly menus, she hears the full menu, browses clearly, and places her order just like anyone else.
The feedback?
“That’s the easiest digital ordering experience I’ve had at a conference.”
That’s a win for accessibility, inclusivity, AND your event organizers.
5 quick tips to bridge the gap
- Audit your current viewing system – Check your existing digital menu for alt text, tab stops, and readable text.
- Switch to live text-based menus – No PDFs, no images of menus—real text that screen readers can parse.
- Add attribute-rich coding – Headings, ARIA roles, alt text, labels—all the little details matter.
- Provide alternate formats – Even with tech, plan for a paper or braille backup for low-tech emergencies.
- Train your event staff – Build confidence so they know how to activate accessibility features on the spot.
By taking these steps, you’re not just “checking a box.” You’re paving the way for elevated guest appreciation, increased accessibility credentials, and a future-forward event experience.
Final thoughts on accessible digital menus
The gap between digital menus and true guest accessibility is big—but totally bridgeable. By shifting focus toward inclusive menu design, screen-reader-friendly menus, and ADA-compliant event tech, you’re sending a message: We care about all guests.
If your next event hire needs a tech upgrade—or you just want to chat about accessibility options—easyEventhire has your back. We’ve got the devices, the design prowess, and the strategic mindset to elevate your event—while making sure nobody gets left behind.
Ready to close that gap? Let’s make your next event accessible, inclusive, and downright delightful. Consider easyEventhire for your event hire and tech needs, and let’s create an experience everyone can enjoy.
