Guiding a Person Who Is Blind or Has Low Vision | DSB (2024)

FAQs

Guiding a Person Who Is Blind or Has Low Vision | DSB? ›

Guiding Techniques

DO allow the person you are guiding to hold your arm and follow as you walk. DO move your guiding arm behind your back when approaching a narrow space so the person you are guiding can step behind you and follow single-file. DO hesitate briefly at a curb or at the beginning of a flight of stairs.

Avoid using vague words: 'here' or 'over there'. If pointing, check that the person can see your hand. When using terms like 'left' or 'right', be sure that they relate to the person with low vision. You can also use the positions of a clock face to describe directions.

The person who is blind grasps the guide's arm or wrist with the fingers toward the inside and the thumb toward the outside of the guide's arm. The guide's arm is grasped at a location such that the person who is blind's upper arm and forearm form a right angle. The height difference determines this.

AP style: Included in its “Disabled/Handicapped” entry, the stylebook describes blind as “a person with complete loss of sight” and suggests using the terms “visually impaired” or “person with low vision” for those who have some sight.

20/30 to 20/60, this is considered mild vision loss, or near-normal vision. 20/70 to 20/160, this is considered moderate visual impairment, or moderate low vision. 20/200 or worse, this is considered severe visual impairment, or severe low vision.

The standard technique for human guide is the traveler placing a firm grasp above the elbow of the guide. The guide keeps their arm relaxed and extended downward so that the traveler can feel subtle changes in their movement and direction.

How to guide a blind man? ›

Introduce yourself and talk directly to the person you are guiding. If you are going to guide them, ask them how they like to be guided. Tell them about kerbs and steps as you approach them and say whether they go up or down. Mention any potential hazards that lie ahead and say where they are.

Always try to have the person you're guiding on the hinge side of the door. Open the door with the arm you're guiding with, this means that they can tell which way the door is opening. It can also act as a guide for them to move their hand along so they can place their hand on the door easily or find the door handle.

Once it is clear that they would like your help, then it is appropriate to assist them. The person you are guiding holds your arm slightly above your elbow. The person you are guiding walks slightly behind and to the side of you so that you can safely lead.

Even if we know each other, you should introduce yourself. Start the greeting with “Hi Maria, it's Robin!” It's important to say my name because it lets me know you are talking to ME. I can't see you looking My way, so hearing my name is a great attention-getter! — And still, there is no touchy feely going on.

The primary technique for sighted guiding is for the visually impaired person to hold onto the sighted person's elbow while the sighted guide keeps their guiding hand close to their stomach.