Tips for meeting blind people

What to do when you meet a blind or partially sighted person.

• Introduce yourself each time you meet a blind or partially sighted person. Even though they may know you, they may not recognise your voice
• If you leave the room tell the blind or partially sighted person
• Introduce others in the group and use people’s names so the person who is blind or partially sighted knows who you are speaking to
• Always direct questions to the person who is blind or partially sighted, not the person they are with. Just because their vision is less doesn't mean they can't talk
• Do not interact with guide dogs while they are wearing their harness. Distracting a working guide dog could be dangerous
• You don't need to talk loudly to someone who is blind or partially sighted, just talk clearly
• Don't be afraid to use words like see, look and watch. People who are blind or partially sighted use them too
• Give specific directions like "behind you, on your left" or "I'm putting the cup by your right hand". Avoid general comments such as "over here" or "it’s there"
• If you are going to touch or guide someone, let them know what you are doing before you do it. Say: "I'm just going to take your right arm"
• How much people who are blind or partially sighted can see can depend on how much light is around, sudden changes of light levels, whether they are tired, if they are somewhere unfamiliar
• If you want to know how much they can see, ask them: "Can you see alright, or would you like me to help you?"
• If you want to know if a person who is blind or partially sighted needs help – ask them!

For more information please contact us: phone 0800 24 33 33  or email awareness@rnzfb.org.nz