In Italy, INPS estimates that there are 380,000 blind people who prefer to be called that rather than 'blind'. Many of us know blind people and would like to be supportive, but we are not very sure how to behave. Notifying others when you enter a room, asking how you can be of help, and using non-clumsy language are all ways you can be courteous to a blind person. Above all, your behavior should show respect and awareness that the person you are helping is more than a blind person.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Knowing the Basic Label
Step 1. Greet the person out loud
When you enter a room where there is a blind person, saying something immediately will alert him to your presence. Shut up until you stand next to this person will make it seem like you appeared out of nowhere, in an unpleasant way for everyone.
- Introduce yourself with your name so they know who you are.
- If the person offers you his hand, take it.
Step 2. Warn when you are about to leave
It may not be obvious, but you should always warn when you are about to leave. Don't assume that the person will be able to hear you walk away. It's rude to go out without saying anything, you would let that person speak for themselves. It is frustrating and embarrassing.
Step 3. Ask if they need help
If it seems to you that that person might need help, the best thing to do is ask, rather than assume they need it. Ask politely, "Do you want my help?" If the answer is yes, ask what you could do. But if the answer is no, it is rude to insist. Many blind people are perfectly capable of walking around without assistance.
- If he tells you that you need assistance, just do what he asks of you, nothing more. It is common for sighted people with good intentions to "take control" and end up hurting more than helping.
- In some situations, you don't even need to ask. For example, if everyone is sitting around a table and the blind person is already seated, there is no need to approach and ask if there is anything you can do. Be gentle in certain situations and don't draw wrong conclusions.
Step 4. Ask the person concerned directly
Many, having no experience with blind people, are unsure how to approach them, so they often turn to their carer. In a restaurant, for example, it is common for waiters to ask people sitting next to a blind person if they want more water, the menu, and so on. Blind people hear well and there is no reason not to address them like anyone else.
Step 5. Use words like "look", "seem" and "see"
Your tendency is to abandon your usual way of speaking and to look for different ways of saying words such as "look", "seem" and "see". It's okay to use these common words if using them doesn't sound strange. It might make a blind person more uncomfortable if you talk to them in a different way than how you talk to other people.
- For example, you can say "It's good to see you" or "It looks like it's going to rain tonight."
- However, don't use words like "look", "seem" and "see" when it would be impossible for that person to do so. For example, if the person in question is about to hit something, it is more useful to say "Stop" rather than "Look ahead!"
Step 6. Do not pet a blind person's guide dog
Guide dogs are well-trained animals that improve the lives and safety of the blind. Blind people rely on their guide dogs for orientation, which is why you shouldn't call or pet a guide dog. If the dog gets distracted, it could result in a dangerous situation. Do not do anything that could distract the dog's attention. If the owner invites you to pet the dog, that's fine, but don't touch him if not.
Step 7. Don't rush to conclusions about a blind person's life
Asking a lot of questions or making a case about a blind man is rude. The blind have already answered those questions. Every day they face situations and places suitable for sighted people. You can help a blind person feel more comfortable by trying to be sensitive to this subject and by talking to them normally.
- A common myth about which blind people are often questioned is whether they have a greater sense of hearing or smell. Blind people have to rely on these senses much more than sighted people, but it is not true that they have super powers in place of hearing and smell and it is rude to assume this.
- A blind man may not want to talk about why he is blind. If he talks first, it's okay to ask questions and continue the conversation, but don't call attention to it yourself.
Part 2 of 3: Helping a Blind Orientation
Step 1. Do not move furniture without notifying a blind person
Blind people memorize where furniture is in the home, classroom, office, and other places they frequent. Moving furniture around could be confusing and dangerous.
- If you move them, notify the person concerned about the new arrangement in the room.
- Avoid leaving obstacles lying around. Don't leave doors open. Do not leave objects piled on the floor.
Step 2. Offer your arm as a guide
If the blind person asks for assistance in moving from one place to another, offer your arm by touching his hand with your arm at the elbow. This is a comfortable place to hold your arm while walking. When you start walking, take half a step forward, but not too fast.
- When you drive someone, you have to walk slower than you usually do. Walking too fast could cause the other to stumble.
- If the person has a guide dog or cane, walk on the opposite side.
Step 3. Describe things in detail
As you walk, describe to the other what you encounter on the road. If you are at the edge of a sidewalk, warn by saying "go up" or "go down" to let the other know that he has to take a step. Be very specific and describe things by specifying where they are. If a blind person asks you for directions, it is not very useful to point and say "over there." Instead, describe how to get there in terms of distance.
- For example, he specifies: “The supermarket is three blocks away. Turn left out the door, walk three blocks north, turn right and you'll find him at the end of the block on the right hand side."
- Giving directions using landmarks isn't even helpful. Saying, "It's right after the gas station," won't help those unfamiliar with the area.
- Describe the things encountered along the way. Warn about the presence of low branches or other obstacles that the person will not be able to see.
Step 4. Help the blind man sit down
The best way to do this is to pull out a chair and put his hands on the back of the chair so he can sit down. As you do this, describe the height of the chair and which direction it is facing. Don't lead someone back in the chair, they could lose their balance.
Step 5. Help him up the stairs
Start by saying whether the stairs go down or up and describe how steep and long they are. Then put the person's hand on the railing. If you are the guide, go up the stairs first and make sure the other has time to climb up behind you.
Step 6. Help him move through the doors
As you approach one door, make sure the other is on the hinges side of the door and explain which side the door opens on. Open the door and go through it first. Put his hand on the handle and let him close it after passing.
Step 7. Help him get into the car
As you approach the car, let them know which side the car is on and which door is open. Put his hand on the car door. They will likely be able to open the door and sit down, but stay close in case they need your assistance.
Part 3 of 3: Helping Someone Recently Gone Blind
Step 1. Convince the other person that blindness is not a tragedy
If you have a friend or family member who has recently gone blind, they may be in distress and fear. This person will likely spend a lot of time with doctors and therapists to accept this change in life. It's hard to know what to say, yet many blind people have busy, wonderful lives, going to school or work and having normal relationships.
- If the person makes it clear that they would like to talk about their blindness, try to be an empathetic listener.
- Learn the best way to assist a blind loved one by helping to organize the home so that it is more accessible.
Step 2. Give the person information about associations for the blind
Being part of an association for the blind is an important way to move from a sighted to a blind life. It helps to talk to other people who have been through the same situation and who have a lot to teach about things to change. Here are some associations that help the blind to have a full and normal life:
- The Italian Blind Union
- The Association of the Visually Impaired
- Other national associations can be found here:
Step 3. Discuss rights and resources
Living blind has become much easier thanks to modern inventions, policies and laws aimed at facilitating people's needs. If you know someone who has recently gone blind, help them find resources that will give them access to everything from gear born to help them read online to counseling, etc. Help him search for more information on the following things:
- Learn braille
- Workplace rehabilitation
- Social benefits
- Read (for example, only a blind person can walk with a white cane)
- Products and aids for reading and orientation
- Request a guide dog
