Help Page: Dos and Don'ts When Interacting Within the Blind Community. (3:46)

Transcript: Dos and don'ts when talking to blind people.
Presenter: Dos and don'ts when talking to blind people.
Introduce yourself. Don't say, "Do you know who this is?" Use our name. It shows that you are speaking to us and not someone else in the room.

Speak directly to us and not someone who we are with.

Don't shout or speak slowly. Don't whisper as we might assume you are talking about us.

Don't point or say "it's over there" because we can't see where you're pointing and we don't know where over there is. Instead use descriptive language. Use details such as left,
right, colour, texture and landmarks.

We can hear when you are smiling, when you're enthusiastic or uninterested. We can also hear when you are facing your head towards or away from us when speaking.

Don't use the term 'the blind' as a noun. Use it as an adjective, describing an individual or an organisation. Don't say 'the blind like to read'. Instead, say 'blind individuals like to read'.

Don't be afraid to use words like: 'blind', 'look' 'I saw', 'nice to see you', 'see you later'. Blind people are not offended. Our eyes might not work, but it's still nice to see you.

Don't mistake a facial expression of concentration as an expression of annoyance or being unsociable. Us blind people need to concentrate and multitask on our surroundings. But you will notice often the expression of concentration will change with a greeting.

Always ask us if we need assistance. Don't assume we do. After all, we made it to where you met us without your assistance. If we decline then please respect that. If we accept your assistance then please ask us 'how would you like me to assist you?' and that way we can share what we need.

A big no -no. Do not grab us, push or pull us. Imagine someone coming up from behind you and grabbing to push you in a different direction. It would startle you. Instead, introduce yourself and ask if we need assistance.

Do not grab or touch our white cane or service dog at any time. We know our guide dogs are adorably cute,
but do not feed, pet or speak to our guide dog. This is for our safety as our dogs are working to protect us. A well -intentioned pat can undo months of training.

When guiding a blind person ask them how they would like to be guided. Everyone is different and some might prefer to hold your elbow or place their hand on your shoulder, which is how we are taught.

Please walk on the opposite side of our white cane or service dog. Do ask to take our hand and guide it towards an object. Don't just put the item in our hand as we won't be expecting it.

When guiding, please mention the direction we are walking in and any potential hazards such as curbs, slopes and steps. Please mention if the steps go up or down and when we reach the last step.

Don't walk away without saying you are leaving, as it can be embarrassing if we continue to speak to you and you are not there. Don't assume all people with white canes are completely blind as there are varying degrees of vision loss.

Remember, never touch a blind person that is not expecting it. However, when in a conversation then it is natural and acceptable. We use our hands as our eyes, so we will feel what is in front of us and we may naturally touch you to know you are there.

These are some effective do's and don'ts that will help us in the blind community be more comfortable around you.