How To Interact With Blind Peoples

Cutie_Beer · #1 (**permalink**) 02-04-2008, 06:55 PM

STEP ONE.
Relax and smile. There's no reason to be nervous.

STEP TWO.
Address a blind person directly.

STEP THREE.
Remember there's no need to raise your voice.

STEP FOUR.
Identify yourself.

STEP FIVE.
Include a blind person in any ongoing conversation.

STEP SIX.
Allow a blind person to handle a child's natural curiosity in his or her own way.

STEP SEVEN.
Ask before assuming a blind person needs help.

STEP EIGHT.
Ask if a blind person would like a description of surroundings if you're together in a space unfamiliar to the blind person.

STEP NINE.
Remember that a blind person is not visually distracted. Pay attention to your conversation and inform him or her directly if something occurs to distract you.

STEP TEN.
Watch a blind person's reactions. If you sense confusion, a discreet offer to help might be welcome.

STEP ELEVEN.
Respect a blind person's cane. Leave it alone and within the person's reach; it is vital to security and the ability to move.

STEP TWELVE.
Remember a guide dog is not a pet. While the guide dog accompanies the blind person, you should allow it to devote its attention to that person.

STEP THIRTEEN.
Tell a blind person you are departing when you leave his or her presence.

Tips & Warnings...

"See you later," "I've never seen anything like it," and other phrases are common colloquialisms used by everyone, including blind people. Don't be embarrassed or self-conscious about using similar word pictures.
Allow a blind person to make his or her own choices. Help only to communicate alternatives.
Few of us like others prying into our personal affairs. Let a blind person initiate any discussion of blindness in general or of his or her blindness, in particular.
A blind person's life is "normal" to that person. Like the rest of us, blind people prefer understanding to pity.
When helping a blind person, let the blind person set the agenda. It's not proper to grab a blind person and manhandle him or her in order to help.

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