- Talk to the person in a normal tone of voice. The fact that they cannot see is no indication that the person cannot
hear well.
- Be natural when talking with a person who is blind. They are a person who happens to be blind or visually impaired.
- Accept normal things a person who is blind might do, such as consulting their watch for correct time, dialing a
telephone, or writing their name in longhand without calling attention to it.
- When offering assistance to a person who is blind, do so directly. Ask in a friendly tone of voice, "May I be of
help?"
- In guiding a person who is blind, permit him/her to take your arm. Never grab the person's arm for they cannot
anticipate your movements.
- Walking at a normal pace when with a person who is blind. Hesitate slightly before stepping up or down.
- Be explicit in giving directions to a person who is blind. Pointing is of no help. Use "right"
and "left" according to the way the person is facing, or use compass directions. Avoid all unnecessary touching
and handling of the person who is blind.
- There is no need to avoid words which refer to vision during the course of conversations. Vision-oriented words such
as "look...... see," and "watching TV" are a part of everyday verbal communication. The words
"blind" and "visually impaired" are also acceptable in conversation.
- When assisting a person to a chair, simply place their hand on the back or arm of the chair. This is enough to give
them the location.
- When leaving a person abruptly after conversing with them in a crowd or when there is a noise that may obstruct their
hearing, quietly advise them that you are leaving so they will not be embarrassed by talking when no one is listening.
- Never leave a person who is blind in an open area. Lead them to the side of the room or to a chair or a landmark from
which they can obtain their direction.
- Identify yourself to the person so they know of your presence. Don't ask the person who is blind to guess who you are
by your voice or touch.
- When serving food to a person who is blind and eating without a sighted companion, offer to read the menu including
prices. As you place each item on the table, call attention to it. (You may use time positions of a clock as a reference.) If the person wants you to cut their food, they will tell you.
- At a gathering, be sure to tell the person who the other guests are so that they may know of their presence.
- A cordial handshake substitutes for a friendly smile when meeting or leaving.
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