When you meet a person who is blind
Treat people who are blind or visually impaired as you would anyone else. They do the same things you do, but sometimes use different techniques.
If you were blind, you would want someone to speak to you in a normal voice. Shouting won't improve a person's vision.
Talk directly to a person who is blind, not through their companion. Loss of sight is not loss of intellect.
When entering or leaving a room, identify yourself and be sure to mention when you are leaving. Address the person by name so they will know you are speaking to them.
Don't worry about using common, everyday words and phrases like "look", "see", or "watching TV" around people who are blind.
If someone looks like they may need assistance, ask. They will tell you if they do. If they are about to encounter a dangerous situation, voice your concerns in a calm and clear manner. Pulling or steering a person is awkward and confusing. Avoid grabbing their arm or their dog's harness. Ask "Would you like me to guide you?" Offering your elbow is an effective and dignified way to lead a person who is blind. Do not be afraid to identify yourself as an inexperienced sighted guide and ask the person for tips on how to improve.
If you leave them alone in an unfamiliar area, make sure it is near something they can touch--a wall, table, rail, etc. Being left out in empty space can be very uncomfortable.
Be sure to give useful directions. Phrases, such as "across the street" and "left at the next corner", are more helpful than vague descriptions like "over there."
In a restaurant, give clear directions to available seats. Your offer to read the menu aloud may be appreciated, but you shouldn't assume that they would not want to order their own food.
When the food arrives, ask if they would like to know what is on their plate. You can describe the location of food items by using clock position: Your coffee is at 3 o'clock; the sugar is at 1 o'clock.
Be considerate. If you notice a spot or stain on a person's clothing tell them privately (just as you would like to be told).
Leave doors all the way open or all the way closed; half-open doors or cupboards are dangerous. Don't rearrange furniture or personal belongings without letting them know.
Be sensitive when questioning people about their blindness. This is personal information and boundaries should be respected.
When you meet a working guide dog team
Although guide dogs cannot read traffic signals, they are responsible for helping their handlers safely across the street. Calling out to a guide dog or intentionally obstructing its path can be dangerous for the team as it could break the dog's concentration on its work.
Listening for traffic flow has become harder for guide dog handlers due to quieter car engines and the increasing number of cars on the road. Please don't honk your horn or call out from your car to signal when it is safe to cross, which can be distracting and confusing. Be especially careful of pedestrians in crosswalks when turning right on red.
It's not all work and no play for guide dogs. When they are not in harness, they are treated in much the same way as pets. However, for their safety, they are only allowed to play with specific toys. Please don't offer them toys without first asking their handler's permission.
As tempting as it may be to pet a guide dog, remember that this dog is responsible for leading someone who cannot see. The dog should never be distracted from that duty. A person's safety may depend on their dog's alertness and concentration. It is okay to ask some one if you may pet his or her guide dog. Many people enjoy introducing their dogs when they have the time. The dog's primary responsibility is to its blind partner, and it is important that the dog not become solicitous.
A guide dog should never be offered food or other distracting treats. The dogs are fed on a schedule and follow a specific diet in order to keep them in optimum condition. Even slight deviations from their routine can disrupt their regular eating and relieving schedules and seriously inconvenience their handlers. Guide dogs are trained to resist offers of food so they will be able to visit restaurants without begging. Feeding treats to a guide dog weakens this training.
In some situations, working with a guide dog may not be appropriate. Instead, the handler may prefer to take your arm just above the elbow and allow their dog to heel. Others will prefer to have their dog follow you. In this case, be sure to talk to the handler and not to the dog when giving directions for turns.
From time to time, a guide dog will make a mistake and must be corrected in order to maintain its training. This correction usually involves a verbal admonishment coupled with a leash correction. Guide Dog handlers have been taught the appropriate correction methods to use with their dogs.
The Americans with Disabilities Act and laws in your state permit dog guides to accompany their handlers anywhere the general public is allowed, including taxis and buses, restaurants, theaters, stores, hotels, apartment and office buildings.
Information provided by: American Foundation for the Blind
