Let’s talk about something simple that can drive blind and low vision travelers quietly bonkers: getting a server’s attention in a restaurant.

Now, if you’re sighted (or more appropriately, a sighted ally), you might take this for granted. You see your server, they make eye contact, you give them the subtle nod or little hand raise, and bam, extra fries on the way. But if you’re blind or low vision like me, that entire exchange is off the table. There’s no subtle nod when you can’t see where your server is or if they’re even looking at you.

And shouting across the dining room? No thanks. I’ve got enough stories that start with “So I raised my voice and immediately everyone turned and stared…”

So what’s a polite, non-disruptive traveler to do?

Before Our Cruise, We Got Creative

Before a recent cruise, my wife and I knew we’d be eating at a lot of sit-down restaurants, and I was already dreading the awkward waving, “excuse me” shouting, or those moments where you just know your server passed by three times while you sat there trying to time it right.

So I came up with a super simple, ridiculously effective solution.

I bought a light.

Yup, just a little wearable light with a sliding on/off switch. And before you roll your eyes or imagine me wearing one of those seizure-inducing rave bracelets, hang tight. This is a sleek, low-cost, simple LED bracelet you can get a pack of on Amazon for a few bucks.

👉 Here’s the exact one I use

It uses a slider switch, which is key. A push button might leave you guessing whether it’s on or off. But a slider? It gives you tactile feedback. Slide it on, you feel the click. You know it’s on. Slide it off, it’s off. Simple.

I don’t even wear it, it can go on a napkin, on the corner of the table, or clipped to your menu. The point is: it’s a visual cue that says, “Hey, when you’ve got a moment, I’d love your attention.”

And guess what? It worked beautifully.

The Waitstaff Loved It

On our cruise, we explained the system to our server on the first night. I said:

“Hey, just so you know, when I flip on this little light, it’s just to let you know we could use a hand. Since I can’t see where you are, I figured this would be an easier way to signal than waving around or trying to catch your eye.”

Not only was he immediately on board, but he actually thanked us. It made his job easier, especially in a busy dining room where he couldn’t always tell who needed help. By the second night, he already knew the drill and would smile and swing by as soon as the light went on.

At the end of the trip, we tipped him well (as we always do), and he said he was going to recommend it to another guest he knew who was visually impaired. That was the “aha” moment, I knew this was something more people needed to hear about.

I even gave him a stack of five on that last evening, because they are cheap and I like to pay things forward and spread the word about something that makes life for those in the blind and low vision community easier.

Why It Works So Well

Let’s break it down. Here’s why this little glowing gadget is a win:

• Tactile Confidence: You can feel when it’s on or off. No second-guessing.
• Non-disruptive: No waving, yelling, or awkward moments.
• Low cost, low risk: If you lose it or forget it at the table, it won’t break your heart.
• Universal signal: A light is easy for anyone to understand, it doesn’t require explanation mid-meal.
• Small and portable: Toss it in your pocket or bag and you’re set for the whole trip.

Other Options That Can Work (But We Like Ours Best)

Of course, there are other ways blind and low vision diners handle this. Here are a few alternatives that may help, depending on your comfort level and the environment:

• Verbally alerting the server in advance: Let them know when you first sit down that you’ll call their name if you need them.
• Positioning objects: Some folks will tilt their menu upright, place their utensils a certain way, or use specific hand gestures. These techniques can work, but they depend on the server being trained or observant.
• Asking for timed check-ins: Some travelers request their server swing by every so often whether or not they’re called, like a 15-minute check.
• Using tech like Aira or Be My Eyes: These apps can help describe your environment, but that’s a lot of coordination just to get a second glass of iced tea.

All of those are valid, and everyone’s preferences are different. But for us? The light just… works. It’s simple, easy to use, and it blends into the dining experience without being distracting or drawing unwanted attention.

Tips for Using the Light with Grace

Here’s how to make the most of it without confusing the restaurant staff:

1. Explain early. When you’re seated or your server first introduces themselves, take 15 seconds to explain: “Hi, I’m blind, and I use this little light to let you know when I could use some help. It’s just easier than me trying to get your attention without being able to see you.”
2. Be polite but confident. Your tone sets the tone. If you’re relaxed and kind about it, your server will reflect that.
3. Use it sparingly. Don’t leave it on the whole meal. Flick it on when needed, off when you’ve been helped. It becomes a more useful signal that way.
4. Be a good diner. Kindness, patience, and tipping well go a long way to making servers open to new ideas like this.

Where to Get One

We use this one from Amazon because it checks all the boxes, slider switch, cheap, simple, bright. You’ll get a bunch in a pack, and even if one breaks or gets left behind, you’re covered.

This is one of those ideas that genuinely made our travels smoother, and I wanted to share it with the Blind Travels community. It’s a tiny trick that has a big impact.

So the next time you’re headed to a cruise, a nice dinner, or even just your neighborhood café, pack a little glow. You might find it lights up more than just the table.

Final Thoughts

Have you tried alternative methods to get your server’s attention in a restaurant? I’d love to hear how you solved this riddle that has been plaguing the low vision community for ages. Feel free to drop me a message here or connect with me on social media at the links below

See you at the Gate!

-Ted and Fauna