1.
If under the same condition you would ask a sighted person a question- then you would ask a blind person the question- not their family, friend, spouse, etc. Don’t ask the person who may be with the blind person, “What is her name?” or “ Would he like a drink?” if they are together.
If under the same condition you would ask a sighted person a question- then you would ask a blind person the question- not their family, friend, spouse, etc. Don’t ask the person who may be with the blind person, “What is her name?” or “ Would he like a drink?” if they are together. 2.If you are someone else enters the room or immediate area, it is polite to let the blind person know. The same applies for leaving. It allows the blind person to participate in the conversation if they know who is there to talk to. It also saves a conversation trying to take place after you are gone to let them know you are leaving. Even if leaving for a quick errand such as to go to the bathroom or get a drink, it is helpful for a blind person to know who is present. Just a quick, “Back in a minute,” or something is appreciated.
If you are someone else enters the room or immediate area, it is polite to let the blind person know. The same applies for leaving. It allows the blind person to participate in the conversation if they know who is there to talk to. It also saves a conversation trying to take place after you are gone to let them know you are leaving. Even if leaving for a quick errand such as to go to the bathroom or get a drink, it is helpful for a blind person to know who is present. Just a quick, “Back in a minute,” or something is appreciated.3.Don’t be afraid of making a comment involving vision and offending someone. It is acceptable to talk about “watching television” or “seeing a movie” with a blind person. They talk in every day terms also and many will say, “See you later” or “I watched the game last night.” Yes, blind people have televisions, go to movies, etc.
Don’t be afraid of making a comment involving vision and offending someone. It is acceptable to talk about “watching television” or “seeing a movie” with a blind person. They talk in every day terms also and many will say, “See you later” or “I watched the game last night.” Yes, blind people have televisions, go to movies, etc.4.If you have any pets running about, that is information good to know by a blind person. Dogs and cats can easily be stepped on or tripped over, or may react to a cane tapping them by snapping. It is also a startling awakening to suddenly have something jump into your lap or a cold nose pressed against your hand if you are unaware animals are present.
If you have any pets running about, that is information good to know by a blind person. Dogs and cats can easily be stepped on or tripped over, or may react to a cane tapping them by snapping. It is also a startling awakening to suddenly have something jump into your lap or a cold nose pressed against your hand if you are unaware animals are present.5.Most blind people can eat without any assistance. If passing food around a table, it is helpful to inform the blind person what you are passing them. Don’t sit a drink down in front of them or around their plate without telling them.
Most blind people can eat without any assistance. If passing food around a table, it is helpful to inform the blind person what you are passing them. Don’t sit a drink down in front of them or around their plate without telling them.6.If visiting their homes, please don’t move things without telling them. Moving a television remote control from the coffee table to the side table or a set of keys from the kitchen table to the cabinet may cause quite a timely search later.
If visiting their homes, please don’t move things without telling them. Moving a television remote control from the coffee table to the side table or a set of keys from the kitchen table to the cabinet may cause quite a timely search later.7.Open cabinet doors, car doors, objects hanging down low enough to strike the head can all be hazards for blind people. So can toys on the ground large enough to trip over (or break).
Open cabinet doors, car doors, objects hanging down low enough to strike the head can all be hazards for blind people. So can toys on the ground large enough to trip over (or break).8.Most blind persons will be happy to answer questions about blindness, but remember it is an old topic for them. Remember to try to get to know the person, not just their blindness. I am sure they will have many other topics they would be glad to converse about.
Most blind persons will be happy to answer questions about blindness, but remember it is an old topic for them. Remember to try to get to know the person, not just their blindness. I am sure they will have many other topics they would be glad to converse about.9. If you think you might be helpful in a situation, please ask first. Don't assume they do or they don't need help. Asking is apprecitated but just grabbing somene to try help is not.
Copyright 2003 by Gary L. Brockman
May be reproduced for educational purposes if unaltered and copyright/author information is included.
