Student Success
Services for Students with Disabilities
Tips for Interacting with the Blind
Vision impairment does not always mean total blindness. Most so-called "blind" persons have some usable vision, but not enough to function normally without aids like Braille, canes, or guide dogs.
If a blind person seems to need help, offer it. Identify yourself, and make it clear you're talking to him or her. If your help is accepted, don't push or pull. Let the person take your arm and follow your body motion.
Go ahead and use words like "see" and "look." There aren't reasonable substitutes.
It may be tempting to pet a guide dog, but that dog has an important duty and should not be distracted from it. Distracting a guide dog can potentially put the person in harm's way.
When you're leaving a blind person, say so.
From: Regional Rehabilitation Research Institute on Attitudinal, Legal and Leisure Barriers, Washington, D.C.
For a more complete list of suggestions, visit the US Business Leadership Network website at http://www.usbln.com/bestprac/blind.html.
For comprehensive information about blindness, visual impairments, accessibility, education, and independent living visit the American Foundation for the Blind website at http://www.afb.org/default.asp.
