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Tips For Communicating With a Person With a Visual Disability
By Jordy

  • Make sure you tell a person who is blind who you are, if you are new to them.  

  • If you offer to help, don't be surprised if they do not want any.

  • If you are helping and not sure what to do, ask the person.

  • A soft touch on the elbow will show a person who is blind that you are talking to them.

  • If you are taking a walk with a person who is blind, don't take his arm, let him take yours.

  • Blind does not mean you can't hear, so don't shout. If you want to ask a question, ask the person.  If the person has a companion, do not ask the  companion.

  • Never pet a guide dog unless they are "off duty," even if you ask the owner.

  • Don't worry about using the words "see", "look", or even "blind." You can use these words if you both feel comfortable about it.

  • When you meet a friend with a visual disability, mention your name. It is very hard to recognize voices unless you have a very different sound.

  • Don't just leave without the person knowing. Tell the person when you go.

  • When you are giving directions, be as accurate as you can, warn about obstacles, and give clock cues like "the chair is at 4 o'clock".

Citations

Online Resources

"Communicating With and About People With Disabilities." U.S. Department of Labor; Office of Disability Employment Policy. 28 January 2005 <http://www.dol.gov/odep/pubs/fact/comucate.htm>.

"Communicating With People With Disabilities." Access Office Disability Support Services; St. Louis Community College. 28 January 2005 <http://www.stlcc.edu/fp/access/Main/Communicating.html>.

"Communicating With People With Disabilities". Adaptive Environment Center. 28 January 2005.  <http://www.dissvcs.uga.edu/com-peodis.htmlb>.

"Tips for People With Disabilities." ACPA Task Force on Disability Issues; University of Minnesota Crookston. 8 November 2004 <http://www.crk.umn.edu/people/services/DisabilServ/communication.htm>.

Images

Copyrighted clip art images of eye and person with cane from "Microsoft Office Online" <http://office.microsoft.com/clipart/default.aspx?lc=en-us&cag=1> (October-March, 2004-2005). Clip art only available to licensed users for non-commercial purposes.

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