Don’t grab onto the blind person. The blind person should always have the control to let go if need be. If you regularly guide blind people, you can get straps which to attach to your arm for the blind person to hold onto. The blind person may have a cane or guide dog. Guide dogs are typically held in the left hand unless there is a reason why not, such as being an amputee. Canes are typically held in their dominant hand. Let them use the hand without their cane or guide dog.
Look out for obstacles. This includes obstacles on the ground, to the side, and anything head height. Instruct the blind person to move over or duck when necessary.
The blind person will have to walk behind you in narrow spaces. Alert them that a narrow space is coming up. Then, instruct them how to move. [1] X Research source Have the person step behind you. The blind person should still keep their hand on your arm, just below the elbow. You will have to move your guiding arm behind your back. [2] X Research source
Tell the blind person verbally that you need to switch sides. Have them pause while walking. It’s much easier to switch sides when both you and the blind person are stationary. Have the blind person hold your guiding arm with both of their hands. Then, step in front of the blind person as you switch sides. As you move to the other side, the blind person can transition to grabbing your other arm. Before moving forward, make sure the blind person is holding one of your arms just above the elbow. Make sure they are a half step to a step behind you, a little to your side, before walking.
Move your arm behind your back when going through a door, keeping their hand on your elbow. Make sure the blind person is on the hinged side of the door. If you need to change sides, do so following the instructions listed above. Explain which way the door opens as you near the door. Open the door and proceed to walk through with the blind person you are guiding. Have the blind person close the door behind them when you finish passing through.
First, verbally inform the blind person when stairs are coming up. Tell them whether the stairs go up or down. [3] X Research source Get to the edge of the stairs. Allow the blind person to let you know when they are ready to proceed. The blind person may want a moment to calibrate before proceeding up or down the staircase. [4] X Research source Walk up or down the staircase, remaining one step ahead of the blind person. Go slowly to avoid injury. When you reach the top or bottom of the stairs, stop to let them catch up and let the blind person know. [5] X Research source Describe any distinctive features of the stairs before. Inform them if there is a lot or a few stairs but don’t count them as this can be distracting. Some stairs in public buildings have tactile markers at the top or bottom of stairs to let blind people know they are there. While helpful, you should still let them know verbally if there are stairs as well as if they’re going up or down.
Cross the street at the narrowest point. Warn the person about curbs by saying “curb up” or “curb down. " Approach a curb together. [6] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source Make best use of accessibility patterns on streets. For example, some street lights will have a spinning cone underneath to let blind (especially deafblind) people know when to cross, if a blind person wants to use this, let them. Also be aware of tactile crossings as they can be helpful. Using dipped curbs can be helpful.
Let the blind person know which way the car is facing and which door you’re opening. For example, say something like, “Okay, the car is facing forward and I’m going to help you into the passenger’s seat. " Take your guiding hand and place it on the door handle. Instruct the blind person to feel down your hand to find the handle. [8] X Research source From here, you can usually let a blind person get in the car on their own. However, if it’s an unfamiliar car you should place your arm inside the car on the roof. This can help the blind person feel how big the car is, avoiding bumping their head. Once the blind person is safely seated inside the car, allow them to close the door.
Tell the airline that the passenger is blind when you book the ticket so that they can provide support services, such as pre-boarding. [9] X Research source Individuals who use a cane are permitted to carry a white cane onto an airplane as long as it goes through the x-ray machine. [10] X Research source Guide dogs are permitted aboard aircraft in some areas, including the United States and Canada, excepting Hawaii. If the passenger is travelling abroad, check the destination to see if they will permit the guide dog entrance or require special documentation, such as confirmation of rabies vaccinations. If you are traveling with a guide dog, ask to have the metal detector wand used instead of going through the tunnel. The dog’s harness will set it off. [11] X Research source
Approach the blind person first. Greet them and introduce yourself. Say something like, “Hi there! I’m Michael. “[12] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source From there, politely ask if they need help. Try something like, “I noticed you’re trying to cross the street and I was wondering if you needed any help. " If the person needs help, they will usually let you know. Not all visually impaired people need assistance, so do not be offended if your offer is declined. Simply wish the person a good day and move on. [13] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
