Guide "How to help a blind person"

How to make contact with a blind person

Visually impaired people, whether they are totally blind or have some degree of useful vision, may occasionally require the assistance of a sighted guide. It is important to be aware of certain guidelines in order to be of assistance to a blind person and to avoid uncomfortable situations.

• Speak in a normal tone. The person you are trying to help is blind, not deaf.

• Initiate the greeting and identify yourself. If you must leave, make sure you announce your departure. The blind person cannot see you leave and would be embarrassed left talking to no one.

• If you start a conversation, address the person by name. If you don't, he/she might not realize you are talking to him/her.

• When you enter a room where a blind person is present, address the person and announce yourself.

• Be precise when giving directions.

When you guide a blind person

• 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.

• To establish contact with a blind/visually impaired person, touch the back of your hand to the back of their hand as a signal for them to take your arm.

Walking side by side

Place yourself next to the blind person and offer your arm which should be straight and pointing to the ground. He/she should hold you firmly above the elbow with his/her arm folded at the elbow. This way, the blind person is a half-step behind you, which allows him/her to know when you will change direction.

Walking in a line

• If you are guiding and the blind person is behind you, you should move your arm towards the middle of your back letting him/her know that he/she should follow you in a line (this method is used when you are in a narrow space).

• When it is possible to walk side by side again, place your arm in the normal position, by your side. The blind person will then follow you and take position by your side.

Using the stairs

• Come to a full stop before the stairs.

• The blind person takes hold of the handrail (when available) and finds the first step by sliding one foot forward until the edge of the step is detected.

• It is good to mention how many steps there are.

• Proceed with the steps together in rhythm, the guide always one step ahead.

• Stop at the end of the stairs and mention when you arrive at the last step.

Taking a seat

• When approaching a chair from the front, bring the blind person in contact with the front of the chair so that the knees lightly touch the seat.

• Give information about the type of seat, (for example: arm chair, bench, rocker, etc.)

• Never back a blind person into a chair.

What to do when approaching a doorway

You should tell the blind person when he/she is approaching a door and in which direction it opens. For example, the guide would say: "the door opens to the left (hinge side) and toward us". The blind person would free his/her left hand to hold the door and to close it, as may be required.

Safety measures

• Keep the floor and hallways clear of boxes and anything that could come in the way of a blind person.

• Keep doors entirely opened or closed.

• Keep cupboard doors closed. An opened door could cause serious injury.

• When approaching any irregularities in the terrain, alert the blind person in advance (eg. stepping from concrete to grass, concrete to gravel, etc.)

• Push chairs into table when vacating them.

• Blind travellers with guide dogs may not require physical assistance. A guide dog is said to be "at work" when guiding. Make sure to ask if you wish to talk or pet the dog. Not doing so, may distract the dog and jeopardize the safety of the blind person.

• If you are visiting a blind person, do not move around any of his/her things; it could take him/her hours to retrieve them.