Experiences At the Inconvenient Convenience Store
Wheelchair Experiences
Most difficult or uncomfortable moment during the convenience store experience:
There was a raised threshold that made it difficult to move over smoothly. I had to slow down and maneuver carefully to avoid getting stuck. Once inside, the narrow aisles made it hard to turn or change direction without bumping into the shelves. Even a small display in the wrong place felt like a big turnaround, and it reminded me how much space matters for comfortable movement.
Challenges when searching for and selecting items:
Reaching for products turned out to be harder than I expected. Items placed at the very bottom of the lower shelves were almost impossible to grab, and I had to stretch and struggle just to barely touch them. It made me realize how much I normally take for granted, things like bending down or shifting easily, and how that simple action can become a real challenge for someone using a wheelchair or walker.
What I newly realized through this experience:
Through this experience, I came to understand that what may seem like small inconveniences to most people can become significant barriers for those with disabilities. Things like the height of a counter, the width of an aisle, or the simple presence of a threshold can completely change how accessible a space feels.
What should change first to create a more accessible environment:
Stores should focus on widening entrances and aisles so everyone can move around comfortably. Installing lower or height-adjustable checkout counters would also make a big difference. I hope everyone can participate in everyday life without feeling excluded.
Intellectual and Developmental Disability (IDD) Experience
Most difficult part of the experience:
The most difficult part was trying to remember what I needed to buy and the number of items to buy because of the loud music and noise that was constantly playing in my ears. Due to the noise, it was hard to focus, and I felt myself becoming overwhelmed. Something that normally would have been a simple task, like remembering a short list of items, felt confusing and even stressful. I realized how much constant stimulation can interfere with concentration.
What I learned through this experience:
I learned that tasks that seem easy for people without disabilities can feel overwhelming for someone with intellectual and developmental disability. Their sensory overwhelm, like the fluorescent colors or the loud sound, can cause much more stress for someone. It gave me a deeper understanding of the challenges they face that I hadn't known about before.
What should change to create a more inclusive environment:
It is the most important to create environments that are friendly to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Reducing unnecessary noise, avoiding overly bright or flashing lights, and offering clear, simple visual guidance could make a huge difference. In fact, a calmer, more predictable space can help everyone, not just those with disabilities, feel more comfortable and at ease.
Visual Impairment Experience
Most difficult moment during the experience:
The scariest and most difficult moment was the entire experience, as I could not see anything. It was unsettling and even a little frightening to not know where I was heading or whether I was even going in the right direction. There were so many items around that even just navigating felt challenging, as I was constantly worried about bumping into things or knocking something over.
Challenges when choosing products:
It was very difficult to tell products with similar appearances apart using only touch. For example, I couldn’t distinguish between Bacchus and Vita 500 bottles, or between different chip bags that felt identical. Without sight, I had to rely entirely on texture and shape, which was exhausting and resulted in arbitrarily taking one item that 'felt right'.
Inconvenient aspects of the store layout:
Without sight, almost everything in the store felt inconvenient. The aisles were narrow, which made it hard to navigate and to sense the layout using the cane. I had to move slowly, trying to map the space in my mind, but it was still disorienting.
What I learned through this experience:
I gained a deep understanding of the challenges those with visual impairments face in their everyday lives, even during ordinary activities like shopping. What seems easy to most people can become a huge challenge when you can’t rely on sight.
What should change to create a more inclusive environment:
It would be helpful if products had clear tactile markings or distinctive textures so that people with visual impairments can tell them apart more easily. Small design changes like this could make a big difference for them.
