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Sharing Vision: Guiding a blind or vision-impaired person

Photograph of a vision-impaired person walking along a footpath with a white cane and a sighted guide.

A relationship of mutual trust

There are times when a person who is blind or vision-impaired may need someone else's assistance to locate a destination.

On those occasions a sighted person offers to guide a blind or vision-impaired person. However, there are special techniques involved in achieving this safely and discreetly.

Photograph of guide and partner walking along a footpath.

"In my job I am training people from a wide range of organisations on how to work with blind or vision-impaired co-workers or customers. Being able to guide someone so that both people feel at ease is an important skill,"
Chris Orr, RNZFB Blindness Awareness and Prevention Division.

The guide's position and instructions ensure the safety of the traveller so it is important to keep techniques and instructions consistent. A relationship of mutual trust is developed.

"A good guide is someone who is relaxed but alert to possible danger spots for me like over hanging obstacles. Such a person is invaluable. It means I can relax knowing I will get to where I want to go quickly and safely,"
Chris Orr

How to be a valued guide:

Being a successful guide is a skill that requires practice.

Making Contact

Photograph of guide touching the back of partner's hand.

Ensure the person wants your assistance by asking, then check if there is a preferred side for guiding.

Once that person has said 'yes' and indicated the side:

  • Stand on that side and verbally indicate your readiness to guide them.
  • It may be necessary to make physical contact by touching the back of their hand with yours.

Grip

Photograph of partner holding guide's arm just above the elbow.
  • The person will grip your arm just above the elbow with fingers to the inside and thumb to the outside of your arm.
  • Wait until you can feel the light grip. It should be firm but not so tight that it causes you discomfort.
  • Begin walking when you are both ready, keeping your arm relaxed.
  • The person's arm is held at about 90 degrees and close to their body.
  • They stand beside you about half a pace behind.

As you walk

  • Pick a comfortable pace for the both of you. (Letting your vision-impaired partner set the pace can be dangerous!)
  • Keep your arm relaxed at your side.

At corners, doorways or narrow spaces where it is difficult to walk side by side

Photograph of guide showing her partner through a door frame by holding her guiding arm behind her back.
  • Tuck your arm behind you and over the centre of your back. At this point your partner should fall in behind you and straighten their arm to prevent stepping on your heels.
  • Continue walking one pace apart until you have passed throught the narrow space.
  • Return your arm to the normal position and resume the former stance.

When you come to a street kerb or stairs

  • Pause.
  • Say there is a staircase or kerb ahead, indicate whether they go up or down.
  • Ensure you are one step ahead so your partner can follow your body movement.
  • Stop once you reach the end of the stairs and wait until your partner is beside you, then proceed.

"I really appreciate a sighted guide who is confident and comfortable with the role. How a sighted guide feels influences how comfortable I feel and how much trust I have in them to get me to my destination safely,"
Chris Orr

If your partner wants to sit down

Photograph of guide showing partner a chair by touching the back of the chair with her guiding arm.
  • Guide your partner to the chair indicating the way it faces.
  • If necessary place your guiding hand on the back of the chair to reinforce its position.
  • If approaching a chair from the front let the knees of the person you are guiding touch the chair front. If necessary place the guiding hand on either the seat or the arm of the chair and explain how it is orientated.

Getting into a car

Photograph of guide showing partner to a car door by touching the door with her guiding arm.
Photograph of the guide's hand on the car door handle.
  • Guide your partner to the passenger's side of the car.
  • Say you are now at the door and indicate the direction the car is facing.
  • If necessary place your guiding hand on the door handle so your partner can slide a hand down to it.

"Allow your partner to find a way to solve any problems, like getting into a car, but be ready to respond if you are asked for assistance,"
Chris Orr

In a room

Always guide your partner to a wall, pole or something to orientate to. Leaving your partner in the middle of the room with nothing to relate to can be unnerving for them.

Let the person you are guiding tell you what is needed - Don't make assumptions!

Be relaxed and assured. Be confident.

"I find using a cane while walking with a sighted guide is useful. It helps other pedestrians identify that I am blind,"
Chris Orr

For more information about sighted guide training please contact:

Chris Orr
RNZFB Blindness Awareness and Prevention Division
Private Bag 99941
Newmarket
Auckland
Tel: 09 355 6883
Fax: 09 366 0099
Tollfree: 0800 24 33 33
Email: awareness

For more information about sponsorship, donations, legacies, etc please contact:

RNZFB Fundraising Division
Private Bag 99941
Newmarket
Auckland
Tel: 09 355 6900
Fax: 09 355 6800
Tollfree: 0800 24 33 33
Email: funding

Related Links

Learn About Blindness
Blindness Awareness Training