How Digital-Free Experiences Can Discriminate Against the Disabled

Here's a long Twitter thread from Sally Lait, who recently ran up against a pub's  policy that bans all digital devices. Depending on your situation and experiences, you might think this is a good idea, but it does have (probably) unintended consequences, especially for those who rely on their digital devices to help them cope with disabilities.

But what about situations where a device is genuinely essential for someone? Helping to independently read a menu if visually impaired? Quickly reading and writing to communicate if hearing is difficult? Insulin pump apps? Autistic or extremely anxious people who use their devices to recentre? Alcoholics who want to glance at an affirmation? Those needing help with English? There are myriad reasons why a device may be incredibly important to someone. Having a policy to encourage conversation is one thing. Actively policing it it another. This act can cause people to feel they have to share private reasons for why they're doing what they are. But even if they do, the answer was consistent: "I don't care. Don't come in"

This is not good. I am perfectly capable of putting my phone away during a restaurant meal, but I do often have to use the magnifier app to read the menu. So are the wait staff going to read the menu to me? Some common sense is required here.