Developing Sensitivity Toward the Visually Impaired

Written and Illustrated by:
Sue Lundy, Medical Illustrator

The most important thing to remember when meeting a blind or visually impaired person is that they are people just like you. They could be talented or clumsy, tone-deaf or musical, graceful or awkward, but they are not helpless. Try to respect their autonomy, but don't be afraid to ask if you can help.

Here are some ways you can help in every-day situations:

How to help a blind person...

• enter a car

• find a seat

• go through a doorway

• walk safely

• enjoy the view

• at the table/in a restaurant

• know who is around them

• walk up/downstairs

• have fun

Entering A Car

Let the person know how he is approaching the car; from the side, front or back. Let him open the door himself. With one hand he can hold on the edge of the roof and duck his head under his arm so he doesn't hit his head. If the blind person has a cane, place it in the car after he is seated. Allow the blind person to shut the door himself if he is comfortable doing so. When leaving the car, the cane should be taken out first and given to the blind person. Then he can leave the car using the same technique in reverse.

Find A Seat

When you reach the chair, place his hand on the back of the chair and make sure you tell him if there are arms on the chair. Stay near the chair as the blind person sits down so you can help if there is any problem. Once he is seated, you may give a verbal description of where the chair is located in relation to other objects and people.

Go Through A Doorway

It is difficult for two people to go through a door at the same time, so open the door wide and go first, leading the blind person through the doorway. If the door shuts automatically, ask the blind person to hold onto it.
Don't stop to talk to a blind person in front of a door -- he can't see it opening.

Keep doors fully opened or fully shut if you live or work with a blind person.

Walking Safely

Ask the blind person to place his hand on your arm just above the elbow. You may help him find your elbow by guiding his hand. This will give him a greater sense of security and direction as you walk. The arm you use for guiding can be either bent or straight, but you should keep your arm relaxed. The blind person will walk about a half step behind you.
Never try to push or steer a blind person ahead of you!

When approaching a curb or step, tell the blind person to step up or down. Also, let him know when he has reached the bottom of a flight of steps.

Enjoy The View

Most blind people enjoy television, movies and other forms of visual entertainment. Include them in your discussions.
Please talk to them about what you are seeing; it will go a long way towards helping them enjoy the situation around them. It is not necessary to avoid using words like "see" or "look"; blind people use these words all the time.

Dining

Let a blind person know what is on his plate by telling him what "o'clock" different types of food are: "your pie is at 9:00". You may also orient him to what is on the table using the same technique. As each item is placed on the table, call attention to it: "Here is your tea".
In a restaurant, read the menu (including the prices) to the blind person unless he already knows what he wants. Make sure the wait staff take the order from the blind person and not from you. If a blind person needs help cutting food, do so inconspicuously. At the end of the meal, allow him to handle his own bill.

Know Who Is Around Them

Speak to a blind person in a normal tone of voice. Speak facing him, so your voice carries well. Speak directly to a blind person, not to the guide.
When you enter an area with a blind person in it, make sure to announce your presence. Shake hands when meeting a blind person. After conversing with a blind person, tell him when you are leaving. Inform a blind guest who the other guests are so he can greet his friends. A blind person carrying a cane with red spiral stripes is also deaf. Extend them the same courtesy you would any other person.

Walk Up or Down Stairs

Approach the stairs head-on rather than at an angle. This will help the blind person know the direction of the stairs. Be sure to mention if the steps go up or down. Tell him where the banister is and allow him to hold your elbow with his other hand. Pause when you get to the edge of the first step so the blind person can touch the edge of the step with his foot. You might want to describe how long, wide, or crowded the stairway is. As you start down the steps, stay one step ahead of him to make it easier to follow you and to let him know when you have reached the end of the steps.

Using an escalator is similar to using a stairway. Let the blind person feel the banister and get close to the escalator before stepping on. Step onto the escalator with a smooth motion and watch to make sure the blind person gets his balance. Stay one step ahead of him as you would on ordinary stairs so he can feel you get off the escalator.

Have Fun!

The best thing you can do to help a blind person have fun is to relax and have fun yourself. If you are in a situation that is very visual, describe what you see around you. If your situation does not require a verbal description, enjoy the wealth of pleasure that your other senses bring you.