When You Meet A Person Who Is Blind
If you meet or know someone who is blind or vision-impaired, there are lots of ways you can help them.
- Always introduce yourself when you meet them - tell them your name. Even though they may know you, they may not recognise your voice.
- Use the blind or vision-impaired person's name when you are talking to them, otherwise they may not know that it's them you are talking to.
- Remember that blind and vision-impaired people have difficulty seeing body language, like facial expressions and hand gestures. Don't expect them to see you and respond if you smile or wave.
- If you are talking to someone who is blind or who has low vision and have to go away, tell them you are leaving so that they are not left talking to themselves.
- If you are in a group with a person who is blind or vision-impaired, tell them the names of the people with you and use peoples' names when you are talking to them so that the person who is blind knows who you are speaking to.
- If you are asking a question, ask the person who is blind, not the person they are with. Remember, just because someone is blind, doesn't mean they can't talk.
- Don't be afraid to use words like see, look and watch in front of someone who is blind. People who are vision impaired or blind use them too.
- Be careful when you use words like here, there or over there. These don't mean anything to someone who can't see. Use precise verbal instructions that use the person as a starting point, for example "The chair is a quarter-turn and two steps to your left, and it has arms on it".
- When you are giving directions say "behind you on your left", "in front of you on the right," etc.
- If you are giving something to a person who is vision-impaired or putting something in front of them, tell them where it is e.g. "I am putting the cup by your left hand."
- When giving a plate of food to someone who is blind or vision-impaired, use the clock- face method to explain what is where on their plate.
- If you are going to touch someone or help them get somewhere, let them know what you are doing before you do it. Say "I'm just going to take your right arm".
- People who have some sight can often seem clumsy or not know where they are. How much they see can depend on how much light is around, whether they are tired or whether they are somewhere unfamiliar. If you want to know how much they can see, ask them. Say "Can you see alright, or would you like me to help you?"
- Some people who are vision-impaired find it difficult to adjust to bright light or a dark room if they have been outside. Remember, it may take them a bit longer to adjust to change.
- Be tidy. People who can't see well find it hard to spot things left lying on the floor or ground. This can be very hazardous for them, as they could trip over.
- Be yourself. You don't need to speak or act differently just because you are talking to a blind person.
If you want to know if a person who is blind needs help - ask them. They may not need help at all, so don't be surprised or offended if they say no.
Remember, people who are blind are people, just like you and me.