Interacting with visually impaired people

Let's talk about visual disabilities this week.Visual disabilities range from partial to total loss of sight. A person is legally blind if he or she sees with the better eye at 20 feet or less what a person with normal vision sees at 200 feet (20/200 vision). A person who is legally blind may have some vision or may have no vision at all.

A person who is visually impaired has eyesight between 20/70 and 20/200. The assistance a person with a visual impairment requires depends on the degree of sight loss and when the loss occurred.

A person who is visually impaired may use magnifying glasses, enlarged print or other strategies. A person who is legally blind relies more on the other senses to perceive the world, but still can be completely independent.

This person may use a cane or a service dog, also called a "guide dog."

It's important to remember guide dogs aren't pets, but working animals that enable a person who is blind to get to work, go shopping or anywhere else he or she chooses.

Disability etiquette in dealing with persons who are visually impaired would include:

• Let a blind person know of your presence by saying a word or two, rather than presenting an unexpected sound or sudden touch. When in a group, introduce yourself and others who are present.

• Speak directly to the person using a normal tone of voice.

• Since the person who is visually impaired cannot rely on visual clues to your meanings and feelings, he or she relies heavily on the tone of your voice. Match the tone of your voice to your message.

• Use the person's name. Otherwise, the individual with a visual impairment may not realize he or she is the one being addressed.

• Don't be afraid to use words or phrases that have to do with vision, such as "see you soon," "colors," "see" or "look at." An individual who is visually impaired uses these words quite naturally.

• Offer assistance, but let the person's response guide you.

• Be specific in giving directions. Rather than pointing or giving visual landmarks, use number of blocks or right or left turn directions.

• Walk alongside and slightly ahead of the blind or visually impaired person you are assisting.

• Let the person hold your arm above the elbow so the motion of your body will tell him/her what to expect. It is good to verbalize changes such as curbs and steps.

• Avoid escalators or revolving doors. On stairs, assist the individual by guiding his/her hand to the banister.

• When assisting with seating, place the person's hand on the back or arm of the seat.

• Instead of leaving a person who is blind in an open area, guide him to the side of the room, a chair or some landmark from which he can orient himself.

• Let a person who is blind know when you are leaving. This way, she won't have to guess whether you are still there.

• When introducing a person who is blind or visually impaired to new surroundings, give a guided tour. Describe the surroundings (furniture, doors, area rugs); let the person touch, smell and talk about what she or he is discovering.

You should also consider the following as you interact with someone with visual impairments:

• Don't expect the person to remember the location of everything after only one or two visits. If furniture is moved or other changes are made, be sure to inform him or her.

• When eating, tell the individual where food is on the plate by using the symbol of the clock. For example, say "the potatoes are at 12 o'clock."

• If using reading materials, arrange to have the information transcribed into Braille or recorded on a cassette tape. You can locate Braille transcription services through a local public library or through the Volunteer Services for the Blind

• If the individual uses a guide dog, remember the dog is working and needs to stay attentive to his master. Avoid petting, feeding or otherwise distracting the animal. Only do so if the dog's master gives you permission (ask first).

As always, let common sense and common courtesy be your guide as you interact with people with visual impairments -- or anybody else, for that matter.