Interacting with a blind person can be a bit frustrating at first. But with an open mind and the help of this article, you will realize that the blind are people just like us!
Steps
Step 1. Always treat blind people like other people, as they just do things differently
Step 2. Blind does not mean incapable or stupid
It's just a physical problem.
Step 3. Keep in mind that blind people treat their guide dogs and their cane as an extension of their own body
Never distract a guide dog from their work and never touch, move or pick up their cane without the owner's permission.
Imagine if someone moved your keys from the place you decided to keep them in order to find them quickly. This would create a setback for you. Furthermore, it is a personal property. The keys allow a sighted person to drive the car, a tool that allows mobility, and the cane for a blind person is the same, since it allows him to move effectively, independently and safely
Step 4. Identify yourself and who is with you when you meet a blind person
Ideally, instead of saying "This is John," let the person with you introduce themselves, one at a time, to the blind person. When speaking in a group, identify the person you are addressing, using their name, otherwise the blind person will be confused, unable to understand if someone is talking to him. Remember: they cannot see if you are addressing them or not, so using names during conversation is essential for them to orient themselves, and build a "visual" image in their mind with the position of the interlocutors and the environment.
Never speak to a third person who is with them, such as a driver, reader, teacher or assistant. Remember, you need to contact them
Step 5. If you offer your help, wait until the offer has been accepted
Then listen or ask for instructions. Many blind people will accept your help; however, make sure they are aware that you are offering them your arm, not your whole body. See step 4 for what to do.
- Do not touch or grab a blind person trying to help him. This is socially awkward.
- Never put anything in their hands and never take anything from their hands in an attempt to help them. This is socially awkward.
- Remember: they are blind, not quadriplegic.
Step 6. Do not clap, point, replicate or sing while guiding a blind person
This may be somewhat rude; imagine someone guiding you clapping, pointing, or singing. Be consistent and specific when describing things and giving directions. The more precise and consistent you are, the more you will give indications, the better the level of interaction will be. The blind are sensitive to intelligence.
Step 7. Do not do for them what they can do on their own, such as finding items, carrying them, holding them, and so on
The last thing people need is disability legitimacy.
Step 8. Don't scream
Speak in a normal tone of voice. Remember: they are blind, not deaf.
Step 9. Relax
Don't be embarrassed if you use common expressions like "See you later" or "Did you see what happened?" which seem related to blind people. Just as a person in a wheelchair goes to "take a walk", a blind person will be happy - or not - to see you again. In other words, the blind use the same expressions as those who see us.
Step 10. Avoid stigmatizing expressions such as "handicapped"
The blind do not use this expression for themselves, and only some sighted people use it. Do not use the word "disabled" as it does not describe them accurately.
Do not use the term "visually impaired". It produces the same effect as the terms handicapped and disabled. Instead, keep using the term "blind" when describing and talking to them
Advice
- Strive to understand blindness and the blind through interaction and by informing yourself.
- Give up negative and misleading behaviors and beliefs.
- Don't assume they can see you.
- Spread the word.
Warnings
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If you don't follow the guidelines outlined above, you could face legal and social consequences, probably, but not limited to:
- Aggression
- Discrimination
- Privacy
- Property
