SIGHTED GUIDE TIPS
  1. Ask individuals with sight loss if they need assistance. Don't assume they do and don't help without asking first. If they do need your help, ask how you can best assist them.

  2. When walking with a visually impaired person, let him/her take your arm. This way the person can be guided rather than pushed or pulled from place to place. Verbal cues are also helpful. For example, the stair railing is on your right, approaching stairs, curb up/down, etc.

  3. If you come to an area that is too narrow for both of you to pass through, place your arm behind your back so the individual will know to step behind you.

  4. Don't avoid using words such as see or look. They are a part of everyday conversation.

  5. Always identify yourself, especially when entering a room. Don't say, "Do you know who this is?"

  6. Talk directly to individuals with sight loss. Do not speak through a companion. Unless they are hard of hearing, they can speak for themselves. Avoid the tendency to shout, most individuals with sight loss have normal hearing.

  7. Try to give a clear word picture when describing things to an individual with sight loss. Include details such as color, texture, shape and landmarks (especially helpful when orienting someone to a room).

  8. When serving or eating with someone with a sight loss, tell them what is being served and how it is arranged on their plate. Using the clock system makes it easy - your chicken is at 6 o'clock, potatoes at 10 o'clock, etc.

  9. If you must leave a person alone in an open area, leave them in contact with a wall, counter, chair, etc.

  10. When using stairs, pause. A verbal cue of steps up or steps down is helpful. Also, let him/her know if the railing is on the right or left side.

 

 

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