People with vision impairments come from all walks of life. In all aspects except their disability, they are really no different from the rest of us. Do treat them with kindness, and afford them the courtesy that you would give everyone else. However, do also be understanding of their disabilities. Here, we outline a few rules when dealing with blind persons.

Initial Contact

• Offer your help, rather than assuming the person needs assistance.
• Ask, "Would you like me to guide you?" Offering your elbow is an effective and dignified way to lead someone who is blind.
• Do not be afraid to identify yourself as an inexperienced sighted guide and ask for tips on how to improve.
• If they accept your offer, let them take your arm: never grab or push them.

Guiding

• Speak in a normal tone of voice. Blindness does not imply hearing loss.
• Talk directly to the person, not to his/her companion. Loss of sight does not equate to loss of intellect.
• Don´t worry about using common, everyday words and phrases like "look", "see" or "watching TV" around blind persons.
• Be sure to give useful directions: phrases such as "across the street" and "left at the next corner" are more helpful than vague descriptions like "over there."
• Using audible cues, such as a tap or pat on an object (such as a chair or doorway), is a good technique to help the person understand their location. Commenting, ´Here's the chair,´ while tapping on it helps me to quickly locate it.
• Be sensitive when questioning them about their blindness. This is personal information and boundaries should be respected.

In a Restaurant

• When the person enters, greet them and ask if they need assistance.
• The person will usually seat themselves so give clear directions to available seats.
• Your offer to read the menu aloud may be appreciated.
• When the food is served, tell them about objects on the table and the position of the food on their plate.
• Let them know what is on the table: ketchup bottle, water glasses, salt and pepper shakers, etc.
• You can describe the location of items by using clock positions: "Your coffee is at 3 o´clock."; "The sugar is at 1 o´clock."

* All content on this page has been provided with assistance from international guide dog schools.