The US Department of Human Health and Services reports that 4.3 million people in the United States are blind or visually impaired. Many of us know people who are visually impaired and want to help them, but we're not quite sure how to behave in a way that will be helpful. To do a favor for someone who is blind, you can tell them when you enter the room, ask how you can help and also use easy language. Above all, your behavior should demonstrate respect and an awareness that the person you are helping is more than just blind.
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Part 1 of 3: Knowing Basic Etiquette
Step 1. Say hello in a loud voice
When you enter a room where a blind person is waiting, immediately say something that will indicate your presence. Staying silent until you're next to them can make them feel like you're sneaking out of nowhere, which is uncomfortable for anyone.
- Say your name so they know who you are.
- If they reach out for a handshake, take their hand.
Step 2. Say when you leave the room
It may not be intuitive, but you should always say something when you're leaving. Don't just assume they'll hear you step out. It's rude to leave without saying anything, because you'll leave them talking into empty air. This can leave them frustrated and embarrassed.
Step 3. Ask if they would like help
If it looks like they need help, the best thing you can do is ask, not just assume they need help. Just politely say, "Would you like me to help?" If the answer is yes, ask them what they want you to do. But if the answer is no, forcing would not be polite. Most blind people are perfectly capable of doing many things without assistance.
- If they say they want help, do only what is asked, nothing more. It's common for visually-sighted people to "take over" and end up doing more harm than good.
- In some situations, you don't have to ask at all. For example, if everyone is sitting around the table and the blind person is already seated, you don't have to go up to him and ask if there is anything you can do. You have to be sensitive to the situation and don't assume.
Step 4. Ask the question directly
Many people who have no experience with blindness are not sure how to talk to a blind person, so they talk to their companion. For example, in a restaurant, usually the waiter asks the assistant to sit near the blind person, in case they want to add water, menus, and so on. Blind people can hear well, and there's absolutely no reason not to talk to them the way you talk to other people.
Step 5. Use words like “see” and “see”
Maybe you have a tendency to change your normal speech habits and look for other ways to pronounce words like “see” and “see”. There is nothing wrong with using these common words if not using them it will sound strange. It can make the blind person even more uncomfortable because you talk to them in a different way than you would with other people.
- For example, you might say "Nice to see you" or "Looks like it's going to rain tonight."
- However, do not use words like “see” and “see” if this is not possible for the blind person. For example, if they almost hit something, it would be more helpful to say “Stop!” rather than “Watch out, watch!”
Step 6. Do not pet the guide dog of the blind person
Guide dogs are highly trained animals that improve the lives and safety of the visually impaired. Blind people rely on their guide dogs for directions, and that's why you shouldn't call or pet them. If the dog's attention is distracted, this can create a dangerous situation. Don't do anything to distract the guide dog. If the owner allows you to pet, you MAY do it, but if not, don't touch the dog.
Step 7. Don't make assumptions about the life of the blind person
Asking a lot of questions or exaggerating someone's blindness is disrespectful. Blind people often answer such questions. Every day they encounter situations and places that are easy for people with healthy eyesight. You can help them feel more comfortable by being sensitive about this and talking to them in a normal way.
- One of the common myths that people with visual impairments often ask is whether their sense of hearing or smell is improved. Blind people have to rely on their senses more than people who can see, but it is not true that they have super powers when it comes to hearing and smell, and such an assumption is harsh.
- Blind people may not want to talk about the reasons for their blindness. If they bring it up, you can ask more questions and continue the conversation, but if they don't, don't say anything about it.
Part 2 of 3: Helping the Blind Find Direction
Step 1. Do not move furniture without notifying
Blind people remember the location of furniture in their homes, classrooms, offices and other places they frequently visit. Moving furniture can be confusing and may not be safe for them.
- If you do need to move furniture, explain exactly how the layout of the room changed.
- Don't leave obstacles in their way. Don't leave the door open. Do not leave piles of items on the floor.
Step 2. Offer your arm to lead them
If a blind person asks for help walking from one place to another, offer to guide them by placing their hand on your arm, just above the elbow. This position is comfortable for blind people to hold when walking. When you start to move, go half a step first, and don't go too fast.
- When guiding a blind person, you should walk more slowly than usual. Walking too fast can trip them up.
- If they use a guide dog or cane, walk on the opposite side of their guide.
Step 3. Draw everything in detail
As you walk, say what you find. If approaching the sidewalk, say "up the sidewalk" or "down the sidewalk" to let them adjust their pace. You have to be specific and describe exactly where something is. If the blind person asks for directions, it won't do you much good to point and say "there". Instead, explain how to get there in terms of distance.
- For example, say: “The store is three blocks from here. Turn left after exiting the door, walk two blocks north, turn right, and you'll find the shop at the end of the block on the right."
- Describing directions with flashy markers is also useless. Saying “the shop is right after the gas station” won't help anyone unfamiliar with the area.
- Describe everything they will encounter on the way. Warn for low hanging tree branches or other obstacles that they will not be able to see.
Step 4. Help them sit down
The best way to do this is to pull up a chair and bring their hand to touch the back of the chair, so they can sit down. As you do this, draw the height of the chair and face it. Don't push them into a chair, as that could make them lose their balance.
Step 5. Help them use the stairs
Start by saying whether the ladder they are facing is going up or down, and describe the steepness and length of the ladder. Then place their hands on the railing. If you lead them, go first, and make sure they have time to follow behind you.
Step 6. Help them cross the threshold
As you approach the doors, make sure they are on the hinged side of the door, and explain the direction the door swings. Open the door and go first. Place their hand on the doorknob, and let them close it after the two of you pass.
Step 7. Help them get into the car
When approaching a car, tell the direction of the car and which door is open. Place their hand on the car door. They may be able to open the door and sit down, but you need to be on the alert in case your help is needed.
Part 3 of 3: Helping People Who Have Just Lost Their Eyes
Step 1. Talk to them that blindness is not a tragedy
If your friend or family member recently lost their sight, they may struggle and fear. It's likely that they spent a lot of time with doctors and therapists learning about their now different life transitions. It's not easy knowing what to say, but many blind people live beautiful and meaningful lives, with enjoyable work or school lives and have normal relationships.
- If they say they want to talk about blindness, be an empathetic listener.
- Learn the best ways to help loved ones who are newly blind, from helping them develop a new management system to organizing their home in an accessible way.
Step 2. Provide information about organizations for the visually impaired
Joining an organization for the blind is an important way to transition from being able to see to being blind. It helps if they talk to others who have been through the same thing and who have a lot of experience to teach them what to change. Here are some organizations that specifically help blind people in America live active and meaningful lives:
- National Federation for the Blind
- American Council of the Blind
- Organization by state, which can be found here
Step 3. Discuss rights and resources
Living life as a blind person has become easier because of modern inventions, laws and policies that facilitate the needs of the blind person. If you know a sighted person, help them find resources that will give them access to everything from tools designed to help them read information on the internet to social security benefits for consultations, and more. Help blind people you know in the following areas:
- Learn braille
- Work rehabilitation
- Social security benefits
- Law (for example, only blind people are allowed to walk using a white cane)
- Products and aids for reading and navigation
- Getting a guide dog
