Please treat a person with vision loss the same as you would anyone else, but keep these ten points in mind:
- Ask first if you think someone may need assistance.
- Offer your elbow to escort a person to their destination. Never pull someone’s arm or clothing.
- Let the person know about any potential danger in a calm voice.
- Give specific directions such as “to the right” and not “over there.”
- Use audible cues such as tapping on a chair to show where it is or describing obstacles being passed.
- Speak in a normal tone of voice.
- Talk to the person, not to their companion.
- Tell the person when you enter or leave the room.
- Use words like “look” and “see” just as you would with a sighted person.
- Ask before you move any personal items.
In This Section
- Age-Related Eye Diseases
- Low Vision Basics
- Legal Blindness and Visual Acuity
- Top Ten Products for Independence
- Braille Basics
- Technology Can Make Life Easier
- Mobility: Independent Travel
- Guide Dogs
- Six Tips for Positive Communication with Family and Friends
- Ten Things to Keep in Mind When You Meet Someone with Vision Loss