How to Assist a Blind Person
Blindness is one of the most challenging impairments an individual could encounter in his life. Unfortunately, blindness can result in many hardships such as depression, exclusion, reduced earning power and prejudice. For many blind people, it might require more than a lifetime to learn to cope with the challenges posed with being visually impaired. Fortunately, many blind people are offered assistance by sighted individuals to help them cope with their disability. Knowing how to assist a blind person can help them feel respected and recognized as an individual.
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Instructions
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Make your presence known. Identify yourself when starting a conversation with a blind person, or when entering a room. This is especially helpful when she doesn't know you well enough to recognize your voice. Let the blind person know when you're leaving a room so she doesn't end up talking to nobody.
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Calmly and politely ask a blind person if he wants help. Listen intently to instructions he might give you that make it easier for him to perform a task.
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Speak in a normal tone and voice when addressing a blind person. Avoid speaking extra loud because most blind people have normal hearing and can understand you. Look directly at the blind person when you speak so she can follow your voice with her eyes and face you. Always talk to the blind person instead of the person who's with them.
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Treat the blind person with respect and consideration. Treat them like a sighted person who has the same thoughts and feelings as you. Include him in activities and in conversations. Address the blind person by name if he's expected to reply, or he may not know the comment was directed to him.
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Ask if you can help a blind person find her way. Avoid pushing or pulling a blind person in the direction you assume she wants to go. Don't point in a direction because the blind person may be unable to see the pointing. Let her know when you are approaching a curb and when you will be stepping up or down.
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Tell the blind person what's on his plate when eating together. This can be helpful, even though he can feel it with his fork. Use a clock-like system to help identify where food is on the plate.
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Put items back where you found them. A blind person depends on organization and a knowledge of where things are. Not putting items back where you found them quickly confuses a blind person.
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Tips & Warnings
Don't play with or disturb a blind person's guide dog. The dog is a working dog and helps the blind person get around safely and efficiently.
Never take a blind person's arm and push her ahead; this could be dangerous. Let her take your arm to feel secure and in control.
References
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