Tip Sheet
To interact with a blind or vision impaired person.
Blindness is not a disease that other people can get, so don't be afraid to communicate with a Blind or Vision Impaired Person, as that person looks normal to a sighted person.
Address the Blind Person, if they have a name badge call them by name otherwise call them the Blind Person, and say your name, most Blind or Vision Impaired Persons don't mind being called a Blind Person to get their attention, when talking to them, until you get their name.
In general a Blind or Vision Impaired Person is not deaf, and they do not know you are speaking to them unless you call them by name, as they can't see that you are looking at them, and you don't need to raise your voice either, as most of them are not deaf and usually have pretty good hearing.
When you are assisting a Blind or Vision Impaired Person always ask them how they would like you to assist them. The general rule is for them to hold your right arm above the elbow and that puts them half a pace behind you and they can follow every move you make as you are walking. Also advise them what is coming up ahead, such as steps etc, (if the Blind or Vision Impaired Person is carrying a cane in his left hand, naturally they would hold your left arm above the elbow).
When assisting a Blind or Vision Impaired Person with a Guide Dog and are on the move, the Blind or Vision Impaired Person will instruct the Guide Dog to follow you. Please do not touch the guide dog.
When assisting a Blind or Vision Impaired Person to a vehicle just take them to the side of the vehicle near the door so they can open the door for themselves, as they use this as a guide as to where the seat is. Blind or Vision Impaired People use their hands as their eyes, and they have to feel where the things are as a normal person can see this.
When you are in company of a Blind or Vision Impaired Person and you want to do something by yourself, always leave the Blind or Vision Impaired Person near a wall or something, never just leave them in the middle of nowhere. When a person cannot see, their orientation is all out of whack.
When you are assisting a Blind or Vision Impaired Person to a chair in
a room or at a table etc, just put them at the chair so they can feel the
chair and they will find how to sit on it, do not try to sit them down on
the chair.
When you are in conversation with a Blind or Vision Impaired Person and
you wish to leave and go somewhere else, either make contact with that person
by touching them on the shoulder, or saying their name. Tell the person
that you are leaving and will be back or whatever, as the person will start
talking to you again and there will be nobody there. They don't see you
leave, and of course if you return announce that you are back again.
If you are assisting a Blind or Vision Impaired Person with meals or food of any kind, tell them what is on the plate etc, and if you place a drink there tell them where it is as they use their hands to find it and will possibly knock it over.
In general a Blind or Vision Impaired Person doesn't mind if you tell them that something is out of place, like the collar of a shirt is not out over their jacket, or if they have odd socks on, as there will be another pair the same at home in the draw!!!.
In general most Blind or Vision Impaired Persons are fairly jovial and usually make jokes about themselves, and don't mind others making jokes about Blindness.
The main thing with Blind or Vision Impaired Persons is communication.