How to Act as a Sighted Guide for a Blind Person
There are different degrees of blindness and the amount of assistance required by a blind person varies. Follow these steps to act a sighted guide for a blind person.
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Instructions
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Ask the person with the vision impairment if they need assistance and would like you to guide.
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Offer an elbow if the answer is yes. Back up lightly to the person's outstretched hand. They will tell you which side they prefer to hold.
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Keep your arm bent at a 90-degree angle. The visually impaired person will remain a half step behind as you begin walking.
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Walk at a comfortable pace for both of you. By remaining a slightly behind, the guided person will be able to tell when you stop or move up or down a step.
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Move your arm behind you when you must walk single file.
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Stop when you need to turn around and tell your follower. He or she will release your arm and wait until you offer it again.
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To sit, position the follower's knees to touch the seat of the chair. Describe the back, seat and position of the chair.
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Guide a blind person to a vehicle and move your elbow until his or her hand is touching the door handle.
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Tips & Warnings
Even blind people using canes or guide dogs sometimes like to be guided by a sighted person, particularly through crowded areas or intricate walking patterns.
Do not grab blind people and move them around like inanimate objects.
Blind children should hold your wrist as you guide.
If you are much shorter than the person you are guiding, they may be more comfortable touching your shoulder as you walk.
Announce to follower if steps are very steep or awkward in some way
Remain light about the experience and talk to the blind person, asking if you are doing everything they need. It will loosen you up to enjoy the walk and the company.
