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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 either the 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.

INFORMATION ABOUT BLINDNESS

The term blind does not necessarily mean complete loss of sight, but could also describe varying degrees of functional vision. Over 90% of individuals who are blind have some remaining vision which can be used for a variety of tasks such as reading or travel. With the use of adaptive techniques, other sensory information or special equipment, most persons who are blind or visually impaired can remain independent.

The incidence of blindness is increasing primarily because people are living longer. Major causes of visual impairment are macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and, to a lesser degree, cataracts.

Extend the same courtesies and respect to persons who are blind or visually impaired that you would to anyone you meet.

info@cincyblind.org

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About Us      Directions to CABVI      Employment      Home      How To Donate      Donate Online      Other Resources
Our Products      Our Services     Publications      Spring Light 5K      Visual Impairment      Volunteering
What's New      When You Meet A Person Who is Blind

NEW!  VISIT OUR ONLINE STORE!

Cincinnati Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired logo