This article highlights statistics, guide lines which may not appear to be in any logical order as they are all equally important and, further elaboration in that order. This article will address common issues and how to affectively communicate with blind people as well as give you insight about blind people
as a whole.

Often, sighted people make it harder than it needs to be because when we are faced with the unfamiliar, it can appear like there is more difficulty to the situation than there really is thus, leading to over estimation or under estimation of what is most efficient. Basically to effectively interact with blind
people, simply apply effective communication and effective listening skills as well as the golden rule. Always aim to think of it from another perspective,
the perspective that you are in that situation. It's most likely you, as a sighted individual, would want the same respect if you were a blind individual. This is logical because we as humans all want to be valued and respected.

UNEMPLOYMENT STATISTICS

Did you know?
• 76% of blind people are unemployed?
• 40% of employed people with disabilities report said that they have encountered job discrimination?
• 33% of employed people with disabilities report that they have encountered "unfavorable attitudes" toward their disabilities on the job?
• 22% of employers cite supervisor/co-worker attitudes and stereotypes as a major barrier to employment & advancement of employees with disabilities?
• 15% of non-disabled people report they do not feel comfortable working for, or nearby, a person with a disability?

It is no wonder that most places of employment are not effective at hiring/retaining employees with disabilities.

Steps
1. Always treat blind people as just another person as they simply do things differently.
• Blind does not mean can't nor does it mean stupid. It is only a physical challenge.
2. Bear in mind that blind people treat their dogs and canes as extensions of their bodies. Never distract a work animal from their job or touch, move or grab a cane without the owner's permission.
• Imagine if someone moved your keys once you've established a location in which you can readily and quickly retrieve them. That'd slow you down. Plus, it's personal property. The keys allow the sighted person to drive a car which is a mobility tool and the “cane” allows the blind individual to travel
effectively, independently and safely which also acts as a mobility tool.
3. Identify yourself and others who may be with you when meeting someone who is blind.
• When conversing in a group, remember to identify the person to whom you are speaking.
• Never talk to a third party who might be with them such as their driver or reader or teacher or tutor, etc. Remember, you are ADDRESSING, them.
4. If you offer assistance; wait until the offer is accepted. Then listen or ask for instructions.
• Many blind people will accept help, however, make sure that they are aware that you are going to help them, and offer your arm, not your whole body.
5. Never touch or grab a blind person in efforts to assist. This is socially awkward.
• See step #4 for what to do.
6. Never place an item in their pockets or grab an item of theirs in efforts to assist. This is socially awkward.
• Remember they are blind, not quadriplegic.
7. Do not clap point, repeat, or sing when attempting to guide a blind person. This is socially awkward.
• See step #4 for what to do.
8. Be consistent and specific when you are describing things and giving directions.
• The more accuracy, the more consistency, the more direct and the more description you use, the more effective your interaction will be. Blind people respond
to intelligence.
9. Do not do for them what they can do for themselves such as serving themselves, finding things, getting things, carrying things, etc.
• The last thing anyone needs is enablement for disablement.
10. Do not shout just speak in a normal tone of voice as usual.
• Remember, they are blind, not deaf.
11. Relax. Don't be embarrassed if you use common expressions such as “See you later” or “Did you hear about this?” that seems to relate to a person who
is blind.
• Blind people use the same expressions.
12. Avoid stigmatizing words such as handy-capped. Blind people do not use that word in reference to themselves and few sighted people use it. Many blind
individuals go as far to avoid the word disabled as it doesn't accurately describe them.
• They are simply blind; a physical challenge so blind is the word they prefer. It's nothing more, nothing less. They cope by adapting and/or using alternative
means. There is nothing amazing about it.

Tips
• Don't Assume.
• Drop the negative/misleading attitudes/beliefs.
• Make efforts to understand blindness and blind individuals through interaction.
• Make efforts to understand blindness and blind individuals through research.
• Spread the word.

Warnings
• If you do not comply with the above guide lines, you could face legal or social Repercussions possibly concerning but not limited to:
• Assault
• Discrimination
• Privacy
• Property

Things You'll Need
• Effective Communication Skills
• Effective Listening Skills
• Patients
• Social Skills
• Unbiased Attitude