Blind and visually impaired people use other senses like sound touch and smell to orient ourselves to our surroundings.
Helping a blind person walk.
Above all your behavior should communicate respect and an awareness that the person you re helping is more than just blind.
Let the person who is blind or have low vision know that you have entered the room.
Let the blind person know which part of the chair you are touching.
Walk up to the chair and place your guiding arm on the chair.
Here are few pointers to help a blind or visually impaired person with mobility so you can be supportive and considerate.
Relax and walk at a comfortable consistent pace about a half step ahead.
In addition to walking you may need to help a blind person sit down.
Do not walk away from a person who is blind or have low vision without indicating that you are doing so it is embarrassing and frustrating to talk to thin air.
Always ask first and never force the person to accept your help.
People will walk either up or down towards us and expect us to move.
First and most importantly never assume the person wants or needs your help.
Alerting the person when you walk in the room asking how you can help and using language that s not awkward are all ways you can show courtesy to a blind person.
Tell the blind person which way a chair is facing.
Address people who are blind or have low vision by their names so they know you are speaking to them.