Tip and techniques guiding a person who is blind or has low vision
WITH THE EYE CENTRE - PRIMECARE
There's no "secret" to interacting with people who are blind. They just want to be treated like everybody else, with courtesy and respect. So, relax and act naturally. Just be considerate of the fact that you can see and they cannot. They are the best person to tell you how to help. It's jarring if someone unexpectedly grabs you.
If they do need help, speak normally, unless they have a hearing loss. Use words like see, look and watch as people who are blind or have low vision use them too.
Most people who have low vision, have some functional vision and this can fluctuate during the day and with different lighting conditions. Ask them, "Can you see alright or would you like me to help you?"
Identify yourself when approaching someone who is blind, or when entering a room with them. Even if the person has met you before, he or she may not recognize you by your voice. In a group setting, address the person by name so they know when you're talking to them. And inform the person when you depart, so they don't continue the conversation to an empty room.
Let them take your arm above your elbow, keeping it close to your body so that the person you are guiding can follow your movements.
Begin walking when you're both ready, the person will walk about half a pace behind you and pick a comfortable pace for both of you.
When you come to a street kerb or stairs, pause. Let the person know there is a kerb or staircase ahead and tell them they will need to go up or down. Ensure you are a step ahead so they can follow your body movement.
If you need to change sides to access the handrail, let the person know you need to change sides and advise them to move across your back and grip your other arm. Indicate the location of the handrail by touching it with your guiding arm hand. When you step onto the landing or last step, pause (don't stop) then continue walking.
If you see someone who is blind or visually impaired about to encounter danger, be calm and clear when you warn the person. Use specific language such as "there's a curb right in front of you," or "the door in front of you is closed" instead of "watch out!" Also, use directional language such as "to your left" or "directly behind you" rather than "it's over here." Think about what information you would want to know if you couldn't see.
When you come to a doorway or narrow space where it is difficult to walk side by side, let the person know why you are changing your technique. By moving your arm behind and towards the centre of your back, they should fall in behind you and straighten their arm to prevent stepping on your heels. Continue walking a pace apart until you have passed through the narrow space and return your arm to the former stance.
When seating the person, let them know which way their chair faces and place your guiding arm hand on the back of the chair so the person can follow your arm to locate the chair. If you approach from the front, stop in front of the seat with the seat aligned with the person and almost touching with their legs. Advise them of the seat orientation, location and type. Assist the person to sit or stand if they request. Don't leave a person without letting them know where you are going.
When guiding a person into a car, walk the person to the door and explain which seat they are getting in i.e. front passenger or side doors. Place your guiding hand on the door handle so the person can follow down your arm to open the door.
Don't pet or distract a working guide dog. These dogs are busy directing their owners and keeping them safe. Distracting them makes them less effective and can put their owners in danger.
Use "people first" language. No one wants to be labelled by how they are different. It's kinder, and more accurate, to say "a person who is blind" rather than "a blind person." We are all people first.
A little understanding and sensitivity goes a long way. By following these suggestions, you'll find that making a human connection is easy. It doesn't matter if one person can see and the other can't.
Sources of information
Blind Foundation New Zealand 080024 33 33 Blindfoundation.org.nz
Retina New Zealand Blue Book. http://www.retina.org.nz/links_and_resources#bluebook