Etiquette and People Who Are Blind

The Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind has developed these “etiquette” tips to help educate the sighted public when in the company of a person who is blind or visually impaired.

1. Remember, a blind person is a person who happens to be blind.

2. Feel free to offer your assistance to a person who is blind, but be guided by the individual’s response. If you aren’t sure exactly what to do, ask the person to explain how you should help.

3. When talking to a blind person, use a normal tone and speed of voice. Blindness does not affect hearing or intelligence.

4. Speak directly to the person, not to a third party. Don’t consider a companion to be a kind of interpreter.

5. Introduce yourself and remember the person’s name. Address the person by name when initiating a conversation. Otherwise, he may not realize to whom you are talking. If you don’t remember the person’s name, and you wish to speak to him, lightly touch the person on the arm say something to indicate that you are talking to him.

6. When you are leaving the room, say so. Anyone would feel foolish talking into thin air.

7. Speaking (A simple “Hi” is fine) when you enter a room allows the blind person to know who is in the room with her.

8. If there is something unusual in the room of which they may be unaware – for example, furniture that has been rearranged or a new pile of boxes – be sure to tell them.

9. Don’t grab the arm of someone who is blind to guide him. Allow him to take your arm and walk a half-step behind to anticipate curbs and steps.

10. Be specific in giving directions. If a person is to make a turn, say whether it should be left or right. If you are unsure how to give directions, ask the person how you may best assist them.

11. When using stairs, describe the number of steps, landings, and anything unusual about them. Indicate the location of the handrail, but don’t grab their hand.

12. When showing a blind person to a seat, direct him to the back or arm of a chair.

13. Warn the person of steps, ramps, narrow spots, and overhead obstacles.

14. When handing objects to someone who is visually impaired, tell her you are doing so and then place it in her hands.

15. People who are blind are generally accustomed to using words like “see” and “look.” Feel free to use them too. Don’t say “come feel this” instead of “come see this.” The person will look at something in his own way – whether with hands or eyes.

16. Do not pet or make eye contact with a working guide dog – especially if it is wearing its harness. Always ask permission of the owner before interacting with the dog. Don’t be offended if they say no. Remember, someone who is blind depends on the dog being able to do its job without distractions. (To learn more about proper etiquette when you meet someone with a guide dog, click here.)

17. The door to a room, cabinet, or to a car left partially open can be a hazard to a blind person.

18. The senses of smell, touch, and hearing do not improve when someone loses his sight. A person who is visually impaired may rely on them more and therefore may get more information through those senses.

19. Many people who are blind are willing to discuss blindness with you if you’re curious, but remember that it’s an old story to them. Avoid prying into the personal details of how someone went blind. Find a common interest and enjoy a good conversation; they probably have as many other interests as you do.