The following points of etiquette shared by the American Foundation for the Blind (www.afb.org) are helpful to keep in mind when interacting with a person who is visually impaired:
- Introduce yourself using your name and/or position, especially if you are wearing a name badge containing this information.
- Speak directly to the person not through a
companion, guide, or other individual.
- Speak to the person using a natural conversational tone and speed. Do not speak loudly and slowly unless the person also has a hearing impairment.
- Address the person by name when possible. This is especially important in crowded areas.
- Immediately greet the person when they enter a room or a service area. This allows you to let them know you are present and ready to assist. And, it eliminates uncomfortable silences.
- Indicate
the end of a conversation to avoid the embarrassment of leaving a person speaking when no one is actually there.
- Feel free to use words that refer to vision during the course of conversations. Vision-oriented words such as look, see and watching TV are a part of everyday verbal communication. The words blind and visually impaired are also acceptable in conversation.
- Be precise and thorough when you
describe people, places or things. Don't leave things out or change a description because you think it is unimportant or unpleasant.
- Feel free to use visually descriptive language. Making reference to colors, patterns, designs, and shapes is perfectly acceptable.
- Speak about a person with a disability by first referring to the person and then to the disability. You should, therefore, refer to "persons who are blind" rather than to "blind persons."
- Offer to guide a person
who is blind or visually impaired by asking if they would like assistance. Offer them your arm. It is not always necessary to provide guided assistance; in some instances it can be disorienting and disruptive. Respect the desires of the person you are with.
- Guide persons who request assistance by allowing them to take your arm just above the elbow when your arm is bent. Walk ahead of the person you are guiding. Never grab a person who is blind or visually impaired by the arm
and push him/her forward.
- Guide dogs are working mobility tools. Do not pet them, feed them or distract them while they are working.
- Do not leave a person who is blind or visually impaired standing in "free space" when you serve as a guide. Always be sure that the person you guide has a firm grasp on your arm, or is leaning against a chair or a wall if you have to be separated momentarily.
- Be calm and clear about what to do if you see a person who is blind or
visually impaired about to encounter a dangerous situation. For example, if a person who is blind is about to bump into a pole in a hotel lobby, calmly and firmly call out, "Wait there for a moment; there is a pole in front of you."
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DO identify yourself, especially when entering a room. Don't say, "Do you know who this is?"
DO speak directly to the individual. Do not speak through a companion. Unless they are hard of hearing, they can speak for themselves.
DO give specific directions like, "The desk is five feet to your right," as opposed to saying, "The desk is over there."
DO give a clear word picture when describing things to an individual with vision
loss. Include details such as color, texture, shape and landmarks.
DO touch them on the arm or use their name when addressing them. This lets them know you are speaking to them, and not someone else in the room.
DON'T shout when you speak. They can't see but often have fine hearing.
DON'T be afraid to use words like "blind" or "see." Their eyes may not work, but it is still, "Nice to see you."
DO introduce yourself and ask the
person if he needs assistance.
DO provide assistance if it is requested.
DO respect the wishes of the person who is blind.
DON'T insist upon trying to help if your offer of assistance is declined.
DO use words such as "straight ahead," "turn left," "on your right."
DON'T point and say, "Go that way," or, "It's over there."
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.
DO tell the person you are guiding whether the steps go up or down.
DO allow the person you are guiding to find the handrail and locate the edge of the first step before proceeding.
DON'T grab
the person you are guiding by the hand, arm, or shoulder and try to steer him.
DON'T grab the person's cane or the handle of a dog guide's harness.
DO refer to Sighted Guide Techniques for more information.
DON'T pet, feed, or distract a guide dog. They are not pets; they are working companions on whom a Blind person depends.
DO
treat Blind people as individuals. People with visual disabilities come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. They each have their own strengths and weaknesses, just like everyone else.
Last Revised: August 3, 2022
When communicating with a visually impaired patient you should?
Speak directly to the person not through a companion, guide, or other individual. Speak to the person using a natural conversational tone and speed. Do not speak loudly and slowly unless the person also has a hearing impairment. Address the person by name when possible.
Which of the following strategies is more effective when working with a patient of advanced age?
Which of the following strategies is more effective when working with a patient of advanced age? Write down instructions for their later use as a reference.
Which of the following strategies is more effective when working with a deaf or hard of hearing patient?
Which of the following strategies is more effective when working with a deaf or hard of hearing patient? Gain the patient's attention before you speak.
When a patient has impaired hearing which of the following strategies is least likely to be helpful?
When a patient has impaired hearing, which of the following strategies is LEAST likely to be helpful? Shout loudly with your lips close to the patient's ear.