 Practical Hints for Relating to a
Blind Person
1.
Before you decide that a blind person is confused, be sure it isn't due only to lack of
orientation. Do not "over-assist". Check before providing
unnecessary, and unwanted, help.
2. A blind person doesn't have to
"save" their remaining vision. Eyes cannot be weakened or damaged by normal use.
3. Don't be overprotective. Encourage
the blind person should do as much as possible by himself, and for himself.
4. Identify yourself upon entering and
exiting a room or area. It is very embarrassing to discover that you are
"talking to yourself", thinking someone is in the room with you or to be
frightened when discovering that you are not alone.
5. Eliminate the use of the words "over
there" and "over here". Preface the directional words
"left" and "right" with the word "your"...
6. Write notes with black felt-tip pen on white paper or use audio cassettes for
messages.
7. Allow the blind person to make contact
with the environment by placing their hand on a stable object when leaving them alone for
a minute.
8. Don't be afraid to use the words
"see", "watch", "look" or "I want to show you
something". These are used in speech and their omission would be evident,
making conversation unnatural and uncomfortable.
9. When you're in a blind person's room or
home, leave items where they were placed. If you move them, it may be difficult to
find them again.
10. When guiding a
blind person, let him or her take your arm and follow you. DON'T push them ahead
of you!!
11. Always talk directly to a blind
person, not through the companion. He or she is quite able to talk for themselves.
What To Do When You Meet A Sighted Person
(Author Unknown)
People who use their eyes to receive information
about the world are called sighted people or "people who are sighted." Legal
"sight" means any visual acuity greater then 20/200 in the better eye without
correction or an angle of vision wider than 20 degrees. Sighted people enjoy rich full
lives, working, playing, and raising families. They run businesses, hold public office,
and teach your children!
How do Sighted People Get Around?
People who are sighted may walk or ride public transportation, but most choose to travel
long distances by operating their own motor vehicles. They have gone through many hours of
training to learn the "rules of the road" in order to further their
independence. Once that road to freedom has been mastered, sighted people earn a legal
classification and a "Driver's License" which allows them to operate a private
vehicle safely and independently.
How Do You Assist A Sighted Person?
Sighted people are accustomed to viewing the world in visual terms. This means that in
many situations, they will not be able to communicate orally and may resort to pointing or
other gesturing. Subtle facial expressions may also be used to convey feelings in social
situations. Calmly alert the sighted person to his surroundings by speaking slowly, in a
normal tone of voice. Questions directed at the sighted person help focus attention back
on the verbal rather than visual communication.
At times, sighted people may need help finding
things, especially when operating a motor vehicle. Your advance knowledge of routes and
landmarks, particularly bumps in the road, tums, and traffic lights, will assist the
"driver" in finding the way quickly and easily. Your knowledge of building
layouts can also assist the sighted person in navigating complex shopping malls, and
offices. Sighted people tend to be very proud and will not ask directly for assistance. Be
gentle yet firm.
How Do Sighted People Use Computers?
The person who is sighted relies exclusively on visual information. His or her attention
span fades quickly when reading long texts. Computer information is presented in a
"Graphical User Interface" or GUI. Coordination of hands and eyes is often a
problem for sighted people, so the computer mouse, a handy device that slides along the
desk top, saves confusing keystrokes. With one button, the sighted person can move around
his or her computer screen quickly and easily. People who are sighted are not accustomed
to synthetic speech and may have great difficulty understanding even the clearest
synthesizer. Be patient and prepared to explain many times how your computer equipment
works.
How Do Sighted People Read?
Sighted people read through a system called "Print" this is a series of images
drawn in a two dimensional plain. People who are sighted generally have a poorly developed
sense of touch. Braille is completely foreign to the sighted person and he or she will
take longer to learn the code and be severely limited by his or her existing visual
senses.
Sighted people cannot function well in low
lighting conditions and are generally completely helpless in total darkness. Their homes
are usually very brightly lit at great expense, as are businesses that cater to the
sighted consumer.
How Can I Support A Sighted Person?
People who are sighted do not want your charity. They want to live, work, and play along
with you. The best thing you can do to support sighted people in your community is to open
yourself to their world. These Americans are vital contributing members to society. Take a
sighted person to lunch today!
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