Rules for Assisting the Blind

A few simple things to remember when meeting or working with people who are blind or visually impaired:

1. Don’t be misled. Before you decide a blind person is “confused,” be sure it isn’t due only to lack of orientation.
2. When accompanying a blind person into an unfamiliar room, never leave them standing alone in the middle of the floor. Escort them to a seat or place their hand on a “point of reference” such as a wall or table.
3. When you are in a blind person’s home, leave their things where they have placed them. If you move their belongings, they may have trouble finding them later on.
4. When you meet a blind person, identify yourself. When you’re leaving the room, tell them you are leaving. In a group, address a blind person by name if they are expected to reply.
5. Always talk directly to a blind person, not through his companion. Blind people can talk for themselves. Speak in a normal tone and volume.
6. Don’t be over-protective. Most blind people can do things by themselves. If they need assistance, they’ll ask.
7. If you see a blind person who seems to need assistance, offer your services. Identify yourself and let him know you’re talking to him, otherwise he may not know.
8. When approaching a blind person who you suspect needs assistance in getting from one place to another, ask if they need help. If assistance is desired, offer your arm so they can grasp your elbow. This position offers the greatest amount of information and security. Do not take their arm and propel them by the elbow.
9. When waking with a blind person, proceed at a normal pace. You may hesitate slightly before stepping up or down; don’t drag them over the curb. After crossing a street, see that the person is started straight in the direction they want to go, and caution them of any unusual obstructions ahead.
10. A guide dog walks on a blind person’s left, so you should walk on their right. As tempting as it may be to pet a guide dog, remember that this dog is responsible for guiding a master who cannot see. The dog should never be distracted from that duty.
11. In giving directions, don’t point. Say “three blocks ahead, cross the third intersection, turn left two and a half blocks and the building is on your right.” Be sure to give directions such as “right or left” according to the way the blind person is facing.
12. When assisting a blind person into a car when the door is open, guide their hand to the roof just over the door. If the car door is closed, place their hand on the handle. They can close their own door.
13. Just as a sighted person enjoys having the passing scene described on a sightseeing bus, so do some blind people like to hear about the sights along the road when he or she is riding.
14. In guiding a blind person to a chair, place their hand upon the back of the chair; don’t try to push them into it. Their touch will tell them the type, width, and height of the chair as well as which way it is facing.
15. When dining out, outline the table setting briefly; when the food arrives, describe where the different items are placed on the plate and side dishes. If they want further assistance, they will ask for it.
16. When serving food to a blind person who is eating without a sighted companion, offer to read the menu – including the price of each item. As you place each item on the table, call their attention to it as “your water is on your right.” If they want you to cut their food or serve it from a casserole or platter, they will request that help.
17. When giving out bills, indicate the denominations of each so the blind person can identify it in their own way. Coins are identified by touch.
18. Remember, when you do meet a blind person, common sense and sensitivity to others are most important of all.

Thank you for your consideration and for helping people who are visually impaired and blind lead more independent lives.