tips to meet a blind person

WHEN YOU MEET A PERSON WHO IS BLIND OR VISUALLY IMPAIRED
Photo of a young man standing in an office holding a white cane.
WHEN YOU MEET A PERSON WHO IS BLIND
Some people may feel uneasy when thinking about assisting a person who is blind or visually impaired. Listed below are some helpful suggestions.
Bullet Identify yourself.
Bullet Speak in a normal and comfortable tone. Do not shout. Most persons who are blind can hear well.
Bullet Look at and speak directly to the person, not to a third party.
Bullet Remember that nods, shrugs and gestures may not be noticed as clues to what you are conveying.
Bullet Do not avoid words like blind, look, or see. These words are part of everyday conversation.
Bullet Feel free to discuss and attend movies or sporting events with persons who are blind or visually impaired. They enjoy common activities as much as anyone.
Remember that persons who are blind choose the areas of their lives in which to remain independent and the areas in which they welcome assistance.
WHEN YOU GUIDE A PERSON WHO IS BLIND
The Sighted Guide Technique is popularly accepted as the safest, most efficient way for a person with a visual impairment to walk with a sighted person.
Photo of a woman serving as a sighted guide to a man with a white cane who holds her arm right above the elbow.
Bullet Identify yourself and ask if assistance is needed.
Bullet Let the person take your arm just above your elbow with the thumb on one side and fingers on the other pointing straight ahead. You can guide with eitherthe right or the left arm, which can either hang straight at your side or bend at the elbow.
Bullet The person follows a half step behind you at a pace which is comfortable for both of you.
Bullet To sit, bring the person into contact with the chair. Describe which way the chair faces.
Bullet Say right and left when giving directions based on the way the person is facing.
Photo of a woman serving as a sighted guide to a man with a white cane, walking up steps. He is holding onto her arm right above the elbow.
Bullet Identify steps, curbs, or other obstacles.
Bullet Inform the person if you need to leave. Put the person in contact with an object such as a wall or piece of furniture.
Bullet Do not pet, feed or distract a dog guide from doing its job.