WAIMEA — The visually impaired are an important part of our community, and treating our blind friends and their specially trained dogs with respect and honor is something all should aspire to. No matter what obstacles life brings, there are
WAIMEA — The visually impaired are an important part of our community, and treating our blind friends and their specially trained dogs with respect and honor is something all should aspire to.
No matter what obstacles life brings, there are many services that are offered to make the disability of blindness less challenging and easier to cope with. We can all do our part to be aware and educated on how to interact with the visually impaired.
When meeting a blind person, remember that every individual has a unique personality and therefore reacts in a unique way to blindness or visual impairment. Visually impaired people, whether they are totally blind — approximately 20 percent of the “blind population” falls in this category — or have some degree of useful vision may, at times, require the assistance of a sighted guide.
According to the Houston Council of the Blind, here are a few tips to follow when interacting with people who are blind and their guide dogs:
— Treat people who are blind or visually impaired as you would anyone else. They do the same things you do, but sometimes use different techniques.
— If you were blind, you would want someone to speak to you in a normal voice. Shouting won’t improve a person’s vision.
— Talk directly to the person who is blind, not through their companion. Loss of sight is not loss of intellect. If it is a crowded situation, touching the blind person on the arm or back of the hand can let the individual know that you are talking to him or her.
— When entering or leaving a room, identify yourself and be sure to mention when you are leaving. Address the person by name (if you know it) so they will know you are speaking to them.
— Don’t worry about using common, everyday words and phrases like “look”, “see”, or “watching TV” around people who are blind. These are simply normal bits of conversation and using them does not display insensitivity.
— If someone looks like they may need assistance, ask. They will tell you if they do. If they are about to encounter a dangerous situation, voice your concerns in a calm and clear manner.
— Pulling or steering a person is awkward and confusing. Do NOT grab their arm or their dog’s harness.
— Ask “Would you like me to guide you?” Offering your elbow is an effective and dignified way to lead a person who is blind. Do not be afraid to identify yourself as an inexperienced sighted guide and ask the person for tips on how to improve.
— If you leave them alone in an unfamiliar area, make sure it is near something they can touch — a wall, table, rail, etc. Being left out in empty space can be very uncomfortable.
— Be sure to give useful directions. Phrases, such as “across the street” and “left at the next corner” are more helpful than vague descriptions like “over there.”
— In a restaurant, give clear directions to available seats. Your offer to read the menu aloud may be appreciated, but you shouldn’t assume that they would not want to order their own food. More restaurants have Braille menus available, but do not assume the blind individual can read Braille.
— When the food arrives, ask if they would like to know what is on their plate. You can describe the location of food items by using clock position: Your coffee is at 3 o’clock; the sugar is at 1 o’clock.
— Be considerate. If you notice a spot or stain on a person’s clothing tell them privately (just as you would like to be told).
— Leave doors fully open or completely closed; half-open doors or cupboards are dangerous. Don’t rearrange furniture or personal belongings without letting them know. When leaving a table, push your chair back under the table to eliminate the chair as a hazard.
— Be sensitive when questioning people about their blindness. This is personal information and boundaries should be respected.
People who are blind are just like you and me. Treat them how you would want to be treated. Treat them with friendliness and consideration, and speak directly to them, not to the people they may be with or their guide dog.
• Caira Sakahashi is a senior at Waimea High School. She can be reached via assistant news editor Michael Levine at 245-3681 (ext. 252) or via e-mail at mlevine@kauaipubco.com
