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INFORMATIONAL TIPS · Always ask a person who is blind or visually impaired if he/she needs assistance; don’t assume this person does. Ask how you can assist, but if he/she says no, don’t be offended. · When being the sighted guide, let the person who is blind or visually impaired hold your arm above the elbow; don’t push or pull. · Don’t point when giving directions; instead, use words like “right” or “left.” · Just because you can see a pedestrian doesn’t mean that the pedestrian can see you. · If you are in a car and see a person who is visually impairment or blind standing at a corner, don’t yell out that it’s okay to cross the street; that person is waiting for a traffic cue. · People who are blind or visually impaired, though they may see something, may still use a cane; they may not be able to see well enough to rely on their vision alone. · When approaching a person with a guide dog, always approach from the right. Never, never pat the dog while it’s in the harness. · State law allows guide dogs to accompany their owners anywhere. · Usually the first few seats on a bus or subway are for the people who are elderly and/or physically disabled. Be considerate of their needs. · In a restaurant setting, talk to the person who is blind or visually impaired, not through him or her. Many restaurants now have menus written in Braille. · Attention employers: Don’t let blindness or any other physical limitation automatically disqualify an applicant for a job. Often simple adaptations can be made to allow them to work competently. · To store clerks and others dealing with the public: Treat the person who is blind or visually impaired with the simple dignity each of us deserves, and be ready and willing to help if someone asks. · Remember to treat a person who is blind or visually impaired as you would anyone else. People are people, blind or not. · Usually there is no need to speak loudly to people who are blind or visually impaired; in most cases their hearing is just fine! |
