Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 3: Basic Courtesies
• Method 2 of 3: Orientation in space
• Method 3 of 3: Helping the Recently Lost Sight

There are 4.3 million blind or visually impaired people in the United States, according to the Department of Health and Human Services. Many of us have such people among our friends and we would like to support them, but not everyone knows how to behave and be useful. Warn the person when you walk into the room and ask what you can do to help - these are simple ways to be polite and help a blind person. First of all, your behavior should be based on respect and understanding of the fact that the person you want to help is not just blind.

Steps

Method 1 of 3: Basic Courtesies

1. 1 Greet loudly. When you enter a room where there is already a blind person, a loud greeting will alert him of your presence. Staying silent until you get close to that person may make him or her feel like you came out of nowhere, which can embarrass anyone.
   • Identify yourself so that the person understands who he is dealing with.
   • If a person offers you a hand for a handshake, then do not refuse.
2. 2 Report your leaving the room. It's not always intuitive, but care should be taken to say something. You should not rely on the fact that the person hears your retreating footsteps. It is simply impolite to leave without warning, because the person may continue to contact you. This awkward situation is frustrating.
3. 3 Offer your help. If it seems to you that your help does not accept the person, then instead of making assumptions, it is best to ask directly. Suggest politely, "Let me help you?" If the answer is yes, then ask what you should do. But if the answer is no, then it is impolite to insist. Many blind people have learned to do well without any outside help.
   • If you are ready to accept your help, then do only what is asked. Often, sighted people take on too much for good intentions, and such behavior can offend a blind person.
   • In some cases, you don't even need to ask. For example, when everyone sits down at the table, and a blind person is already sitting, there is no need to come up and ask how you could help. Try to get a feel for the situation, not guess.
4. 4 Ask questions directly. Many have no experience with blind people and do not know how they should be treated. For example, in a restaurant, waiters often turn to a person sitting next to a blind person when they offer the blind person more water or bring a menu.People who are blind cannot see, but everyone can hear, so always contact them directly.
5. 5 Use the words "look" and "see". You may be tempted to change your speaking habits and try not to use words like "look" and "see." Better use them, otherwise an awkward situation may arise. A blind person will be unpleasant not from using these words, but from the fact that you speak to him differently than to everyone else.
   • Feel free to say phrases like "I'm glad to see you."
   • But do not use the words "look" and "see" to describe this person's actions. For example, if a person runs the risk of bumping into something, then it is better to say "Stop!" Rather than "Watch your step!"
6. 6 A guide dog should not be stroked. These are specially trained animals that are designed to protect the life and safety of blind people. Blind people rely on guide dogs for orientation, so they should not be called or stroked. If the dog is distracted, a dangerous situation can arise. Don't distract the dog's attention. You can iron it only if the blind person himself suggested it to you.
7. 7 Don't make guesses about the lives of the blind. Asking many questions or discussing the issue of blindness is unethical. They are constantly answering questions like this. Every day they find themselves in places and situations in which sighted people feel more comfortable. You will be much more accommodating by talking to the blind about the most common things.
   • A common myth that is often asked about blind people is their incredible hearing or sense of smell. The blind have to rely on these feelings much more than the sighted, but they do not have any super abilities, and it is ugly to assume such a thing.
   • Usually blind people do not like to talk about the reasons for their blindness. They can start this conversation themselves. Only then can you ask a few questions.

Method 2 of 3: Orientation in space

1. 1 Do not move furniture without warning. Blind people remember the arrangement of furniture in homes, classrooms, offices and other places of frequent visits. Rearranging furniture will confuse them and endanger them.
   • In case of rearrangement, accurately describe to the blind the new layout of the room.
   • Leave no obstacles in the way. Don't leave doors open. Do not leave various objects on the floor.
2. 2 Offer your hand for guidance. If you are asked to help move from one place to another, then place the blind person's hand on yours just above the elbow. So it will be comfortable for him to hold on to you when walking. When starting the movement, be half a step ahead and do not move too fast.
   • When helping another move, you should go slower than usual. Walking too fast can cause a person to stumble.
   • If the person has a guide dog or walking stick, walk on the opposite side.
3. 3 Describe items in detail. Describe everything that comes across as you move. Approaching the curb, say "climb up the curb" or "come down from the curb" so that the person does not fall. Be sure to describe in detail and accurately, calling everything by their proper names. If a blind person asks you for directions, your "this is over there" will not help him. Instead, describe the path in detail, including direction and approximate distance.
   • For example, say “The store is three blocks from here. Turn left from the door, walk two blocks north, turn right and you will reach a place at the end of the block, it is on the right side of the street.
   • You should not describe the direction using conventional landmarks. For a person who does not know the area, the phrase "this is right after the gas station" will not help much.
   • Describe anything that comes your way. Warn of low hanging branches and other obstructions that cannot be detected by the blind.
4. 4 Help the blind man to sit down. To do this, it is best to move the chair back and put the blind man's hand on the back, so that the person can sit down on his own. Having done this, describe the height of the chair and which side the seat is on.If the chair rotates, then never turn the blind person sitting on it.
5. 5 Help walk up the steps. First, indicate whether to climb or descend, and also describe the approximate slope and length of the stairs. Then place the blind man's hand on the railing. If you are leading the person, then take the first step and wait for the person being guided to keep up with you.
6. 6 Help pass through doorways. When approaching the door, the blind man should be on the side of the hinges and he should be told in which direction the door opens. First open the door and go through it yourself. Then place the blind man's hand on the doorknob and let him close the door behind both of you.
7. 7 Help get into the car. Approaching the car, inform about which side it is located and which of the doors is open. Place the blind man's hand on the door. The person will most likely be able to open the door himself and sit in the salon, but just in case, stay close.

Method 3 of 3: Helping the Recently Lost Sight

1. 1 Try to convince the person that blindness is not the end of the world. If your friend or relative has recently lost their eyesight, they can be very scared and depressed. He may spend a lot of time with doctors and therapists helping him adjust to an unfamiliar life. It is difficult to find the right words, but many blind people live a full and quite happy life, rich in communication and relationships with other people.
   • If the person wants to talk about their blindness, be an empathetic listener.
   • Learn how to best help those who are close to the blind by helping to design a new system of organization and rearrangements in the home.
2. 2 Inform the person about organizations for the blind. Such organizations are best suited to assist in the transition from sighted life to blind. Talking to people who have gone through similar tests will be very rewarding and can teach you a lot. Different countries have their own organizations and societies. For example, in the United States, there are several organizations that help blind people live normal lives:
   • National Federation of the Blind
   • American Council of the Blind
   • There are also other government organizations: http://www.blind.net/resources/organizations/organizations-for-the-blind.html
3. 3 Discuss sources and rights. Today, many inventions, government policies and laws are aimed at simplifying and improving the quality of life of blind people, as well as meeting their needs. If you know someone who has recently lost their eyesight, help them find resources to help them access everything from specialized online reading equipment to social benefits and help and advice. You can help a blind person you know in the following:
   • Learning Braille
   • Workplace rehabilitation
   • Social security issues
   • Legislation (for example, only blind people can walk with a white cane)
   • Products and aids for reading and orientation in space
   • Getting a guide dog