WHEN I MEET A BLIND PERSON...

I will remember that my attitudes toward blindness are vitally important in establishing healthy relationships.

I will use the words, "look", "see", "blind", etc. Avoidance of these words will only make a blind person self-conscious.

I will identify myself when entering a room or in public, so that I do not give a blind person the insecurity of wondering who I am.

I will say I am leaving a blind person's presence, so that he or she is not embarrassed by talking to the air. I will always take care to help a blind person know who is within speaking range.

I will offer my elbow for assistance in walking, staying about a step ahead, so that he or she can anticipate my movements.

I will caution a blind person about ascending or descending stairs, curbs, or obstacles in their path. Even though there may be a cane or dog guide present, a blind person may appreciate an offer of assistance in crossing busy streets.

I will expect the blind person I am guiding to catch the door as we pass through.

I will place his or her hand on a door handle, back, or arm of a chair for orientation.

I will allow a blind person the dignity of speaking independently, and unless there is a severe hearing loss, discourage other people from talking to a blind person through me.

I will help keep a blind person informed and aware of present surroundings.

I will assist a blind person at the dining table. Some appreciate clockwise indentification of food, while others master this art by gently probing with the fork.

I will allow a blind person the personal pride of handling cash. A blind person can tell the difference in coins by touch, and identify paper money by various methods of folding.

I will look directly at a blind person when I speak, so that my voice can be followed with this or her eyes, and face me.

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This message is brought to you by Blindskills, Inc., publishers of DIALOGUE.
For resources and more information contact:

Blindskills, Inc.
P.O. Box 5181
Salem, OR 97304-0181

Phone: toll-free 800.860.4224 or 503.581.4224



Fax:503.581.0178


E-mail: blindskl@teleport.com
Website: blindskills.com