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!
Click here for information on Sighted Guide Techniques from the Braille Institute
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