Content

• Steps
• Tips
• Warnings

At first glance, communicating with the blind looks difficult. But with an open mind and this article, you will understand that blind people are just like you and me!

Steps

1. 1 Always communicate with the blind as you would with everyone, just in a different way.
2. 2 Blindness does not mean that a person is stupid. It's just a physical problem.
3. 3 Be aware that blind people treat their guide dogs and white canes as part of their body. Never distract guide dogs or shift or pick up a cane without the owner's permission.
   • Imagine that someone has moved the keys as soon as you find a location from which you can quickly and easily retrieve them. It would slow you down. Plus, it's personal property. Keys allow a sighted person to drive a car, a vehicle, and a white cane allows the blind to move effectively, independently and safely.
4. 4 Introduce yourself and others when meeting a blind person. Ideally, instead of saying “This is John” (or someone else), it’s better for each participant to introduce themselves. When talking in a group, do not forget to identify your interlocutor, i.e. use his name - otherwise the blind person will be confused if you are talking to him. Remember, the blind cannot see where you are standing and who you are addressing, so use names so that they can orient themselves and build a visual image of the interlocutors in their minds.
   • Never talk to a third person who may be near the blind person, such as their driver, reader, teacher, mentor, etc.
5. 5 If you want to help, wait until the offer is accepted. Then listen and follow the instructions. Many blind people will accept help, but make sure they are aware of your intention to help. Remember step 4 before you help.
   • Never touch or grab a blind person forcibly while providing assistance.
   • Never put something in their pockets or grab things from their hands, even to help.
   • Remember, they are blind, but not paralyzed.
6. 6 Don't sing, jerk, talk too much, or clap when you lead a blind person. That's rough. Imagine if someone was leading you and at the same time singing, clapping and constantly showing you where to go. Be consistent and specific when describing things and giving directions. The more precise, clear, and consistent description you give, the more effective the interaction will be. Blind people respond to intelligence.
7. 7 Do not do for them what they can do on their own, for example, serve themselves, find, receive and carry things, etc.e. All this is correct only in relation to the disabled.
8. 8 Do not shout, speak in your usual calm tone. Remember, they are blind, but not deaf.
9. 9 Relax. feel free to use general expressions such as "See you later" or "Have you heard of this?"Just like a person in a wheelchair, a blind person will be pleased - or not - to see you. In other words, the blind use the same words and phrases as the sighted.
10. 10 Avoid using words like "disabled". The blind do not use them in relation to themselves. Many blind people will go to great lengths not to hear this address in relation to themselves. Do not use the word "disabled" because it does not accurately describe them.
    • Do not use the term "visually impaired". He leaves the same impression as the "disabled" and "crippled". Instead, use the word "blind" when talking to them.

Tips

• Make an effort to understand blindness and blindness through interaction and exploration.
• Discard negative / misleading opinions / beliefs.
• Don't think they can see you.
• Talk to them.

Warnings

• If you do not follow the above rules, you may face legal or social consequences. You may be accused of:
  • Attack
  • Discrimination
  • Interference with privacy
  • Violation of property rights