Guidelines For Helping The Blind and Visually Impaired (Pt. 1 of 7)
Approach and Attitudes
Here are some tips on the appropriate approach and attitude toward helping blind and visually impaired people :
- Always treat a blind person normally; speak first and introduce yourself
- Shake hands only if a hand is offered
- It is also politeness to look at him/her during conversation and adopt the same level of position, e.g., sit or stand
- Do not be afraid of using normal language and include words like ‘look’, ‘see’, ‘read’, remembering that blind and visually impaired people have exactly the same vocabulary as sighted people
- Explain noises and silences and do not shout
- Do not expect or invite others to speak for blind people. Do not be afraid to ‘touch’ but be sensitive to cultural differences
Assisting the Blind and Visually Impaired: Guidelines for Eye Health Workers and Other Helpers
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