Say your name so they know who you are. If the person offers a hand to shake, go ahead.
If they say they’d like assistance, do only what is asked, and no more. It’s common for well-meaning sighted people to “take over” and end up hurting more than they’ve helped. In some situations, there’s really no need to even ask. For example, if everyone’s sitting around a table and the blind person is already seated, you don’t need to walk up and ask if there’s anything you can do. Be sensitive to the situation and don’t make assumptions.
For example, you can say “It’s really nice to see you" or “It looks like rain tonight. " However, don’t use words like “look” and “see” when to do so would be impossible for the person. For example, if the person is about to collide with something, it’s more helpful to say “Stop!” instead of “Watch out!”
One common myth people often ask blind people about is whether they have a heightened sense of hearing or smell. Blind people have to rely on these senses more than sighted people do, but it’s not true that they have super powers when it comes to hearing and smell, and it’s rude to assume that. The person may not want to talk about why they are blind. (For example, it could have been due to a scary accident that is very painful to remember. ) If they bring it up, it’s fine to keep asking more questions and continue the conversation, but don’t call attention to it otherwise.
If you do move it, tell the person exactly how the layout of the room has changed. Avoid leaving obstacles in the person’s path. Don’t leave doors open. Don’t have stacks of clutter on the floor.
When you’re guiding someone, you need to walk slower than you’d normally walk. Walking too fast could cause the person to trip. If the person uses a guide dog or cane, walk on the opposite side.
For example, say “The bodega is three blocks away. Turn left out the door, walk two blocks north, turn right, and you’ll find it at the end of the block on the right side of the street. " Describing directions in terms of landmarks isn’t very helpful to a non-local, either. Saying “it’s just past the gas station” won’t be useful to someone who isn’t familiar with the area. Describe things in the person’s path. Alert them to the presence of low-hanging branches and other obstacles they won’t be able to see.
If the person shares that they would like to talk about being blind, be an empathetic listener. Learn about the best ways to assist a loved one who’s blind, from helping the person develop a new organizational system to arranging the house in a way that’s more accessible.
The National Federation for the Blind[8] X Research source American Council of the Blind[9] X Research source State-based organizations, which can be found here: http://www. blind. net/resources/organizations/organizations-for-the-blind. html
Workplace rehabilitation Social Security benefits Laws (for example, only the blind may walk with a white cane) Products and aids for reading and navigation Acquiring a guide dog
