How to Meet a Blind Person

Visually impaired people, whether they are totally blind or have some degree of useful vision may, at times, require the assistance of a sighted guide.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. How do I make contact with a blind person?
   
   When approaching a blind person, initiate the greeting using a normal tone of voice. Identify yourself and then inquire if your assistance is desired. If so, touch your hand to the back of their hand as a signal or them to take your arm.
2. How do I help a blind person cross the street?
   
   Avoid pulling blind people by the hand or tugging at their sleeves. It is awkward and confusing. Simply offer your assistance and they will tell you the best way to guide them. Let them know when you are coming to a curb and whether you will be stepping up or down.
3. How can I help a blind person feel more comfortable in an unfamiliar setting?
   
   It is very helpful and important to describe the surroundings to blind or visually impaired people. For example, you can describe the layout of a room, whether it is square or narrow, how many tables and chairs there are and how they are arranged. The same principle applies when travelling with blind or visually impaired people. Describe the landscape, tell them which direction you are travelling (north, south, etc.), mention the names of towns you pass by. Just remember to give directions clearly and accurately. Pointing or using phrases such as "over there" will be of no assistance.
4. What do I do if we come to a doorway?
   
   You should tell the blind person when they are approaching a door and in which direction the door opens. For example, the guide would say "the door opens to the left and towards us". In this case, the blind person would then free their left hand in order to hold the door and to close it, as may be required.

Tips & Warnings

• Push chairs into table when vacating them.
• Keep doors entirely opened or closed.
• Keep cupboard doors closed
• Remember to let blind or visually impaired people know you are leaving and if possible, ensure that the blind person is left in contact with a tangible object in the environment, e.g. a wall, a table, a chair. This will eliminate the uncomfortable feeling of standing alone in an open space and not having a reference point.