DEAR ABBY: My friend had back surgery that has left her walking with a walker or a cane. We go out to eat quite often. When the hostess takes us to our seats, they often take us to a table that is far from the door, bypassing many empty tables. Sometimes, we have even had to go up or down some steps.
I know they have a system for seating in a restaurant, but it sure would be nice if they’d recognize her difficulty in maneuvering and seat us closer to the entrance or exit. I’m sure many people have this issue. I would say something, but my friend says it would embarrass her. How do others solve this problem? -- BETTER ACCESS NEEDED IN IOWA
DEAR ACCESS: Others resolve the problem by informing the restaurant at the time the reservation is made that a member of the party has a disability and needs easy access not only to the entrance and exit, but also to the table. If you and this friend are walk-ins with no reservation, discreetly inform the host where you need to be seated. It would be to the restaurant’s advantage to avoid the potential liability of a trip and fall by not forcing this guest to maneuver through an obstacle course.
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Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.
