Interacting with Visually Impaired Individuals

Here are a few basic guidelines for interacting with blind persons:

Identify Yourself

If there are others present, address the person by name so there is no mistake to who you are speaking.
Remember that an unseen smile can be supplemented by a warm handshake and friendly tone of voice.
Talk directly to the person and not through a companion.
Be sure the person knows when you leave so he or she isn't left talking to an empty space.

Don't worry about avoiding words like look, see and blind—most blind people are not offended by these words and use them in their own speech.
Use a normal tone of voice—most blind individuals have no trouble hearing, so there is no need to shout.

If you think someone could use help, offer assistance but allow the person to decide whether or not help is needed.
If you escort the person somewhere, offer your arm and let him or her hold on just above your elbow. This is the easiest and most comfortable way to walk together. Don't push, pull or grab a person who is blind.
When seating someone, placing the individual's hand on the back of the chair will allow the person to be seated independently.
If you must leave the person alone for a few minutes, leave him or her in contact with some stationary object.
When giving directions, make them as clear and detailed as possible. Use left and right according to the way he or she is facing.
Be verbal. Hand gestures are meaningless to a blind person.

When dining with a blind person, read the menu and the prices aloud; describe the position of food on the plate; if more help than this is needed, the person will ask.
It's best to leave doors fully opened or closed. A door ajar can be confusing and hazardous, especially to a person with partial sight.
Do not rearrange things in a blind person's home or work setting. If something must be moved for safety reasons, be sure to inform the person of the change.
Do not pet or otherwise distract a guide dog—a blind person's safety depends upon its full attention. Do not touch or offer food without the master's permission.