Recently, I received a wonderful document from the CNIB about how to talk to someone who is blind. It was full of terrific information and mentioned things I’d never thought of. Like remembering to introduce yourself and if you’re in a group, addressing the person by name, so they know you’re talking to them.
A lot of the tips in the document simply involve not making assumptions. I’ve seen people grab the arm of a blind person and start leading them without asking whether they want to be led. People lose their minds sometimes around someone with a disability. What they’re going through is new to us, but they’re an expert at it. Blindness only means a person can’t see. They’re in control of everything else.
I hope we all know never to pet a service dog. They’re on the job and need to be alert. But there’s so much more we take for granted. Like at a restaurant for example. It’s helpful to let your blind friend know where things are on their plate. “The peas are at 10 o’clock.” I can’t imagine not knowing what’s on my fork until I taste it.
I found this little guide so helpful. I can sum it up in a few short phrases. Act naturally. Be respectful. If you help, say, by pointing out where a door is, remember to do it from their perspective, not yours. If you’re interested, I’ve linked to the guide HERE.
Some of Us Are Lucky
Last year, I had a baby cataract growing in my right eye. My eye doctor didn’t think it was a big deal but it suddenly started affecting my vision. A little more than a year ago, had my lenses replaced. Some patients walk out of the OR with perfect vision. I couldn’t see for two days. I knew it would clear up. But wow, it depressed me and I was miserable. It was difficult and awful. Now, I have 20/20 vision and I don’t take it for granted.
And on that optimistic note, it’s time to vote for a calendar puppy! Canine Companions, trainer of assistance dogs, want your vote, HERE. They will ask you to sign up for emails but you can always opt out. (They are US based, FYI) No purchase is necessary and voting ends June 30th. I mean, wherever they live and whoever they’re for, who doesn’t want to look at PUPPIES?!
When a person with a visual disability enters a room, you can assist them to find a seat by tapping your hand on an empty seat, and you can say, there is a seat over here to your left/right. There’s not yours.
Here is a tip when offering sighted assistance.
With the majority of society being right handed, the blind person will hold a cane in their right hand, so when offering sighted assistance approach the person from the left side and extend your right elbow and allow them to reach out and take your elbow, you can guide their hand towards your elbow but don’t take it.
When approaching a person who uses a service animal, guide dog, the above approach is reversed given that the majority of guide dogs are trained for the left hand, so approach from the right and extend your left elbow.
There is much more but the article was well written and covered the basics.
Thanks, Allan. We appreciate you sharing your knowledge.
Who doesn’t want to look at puppies? Donald Trump doesn’t want to look at puppies. He has no dog. What U.S. president doesn’t have a dog?
One who would get jealous of attention paid to the dog!
My cousin married a lady that lost her sight shortly before they got married. Her guide dogs were amazing – so incredibly smart. She is a master at cards & can knit beautiful afghans. Such an amazing lady. They even used to joke that my cousin could have a drink because his wife would be driving home & everyone would crack up laughing. What a wonderful pair. And those dogs!
She sounds like a gem. Thanks, Pam.