Helping a Blind Person Outdoors

There are a few common tips which can help the guiding process, however. First, don’t just assume a blind person on the street needs your help and drag him/her in whichever direction you think he/she is going as this is extremely disorienting. Ask if the person would like assistance and where he/she needs to go. Offer the person your elbow by placing your hand on theirs and guiding it to the crook of your arm. The person may prefer to have a hand on your shoulder instead of your arm, so you can ask if he/she has a preference. Then you may start walking in the direction indicated, but inform him/her before you start moving. Describe the path as you walk: if it slants up or down, if it changes texture as from gravel to pavement, guide the person around obstacles like bins or posts, and indicate if there is a step up or down as appropriate. If going up or down stairs, ensure the person is near the rail and direct his/her hand to it. Describe the stairs so he/she knows if they are going up or down, if it’s a narrow passage way, if the stairs turn left or right, etc. Always walk one step ahead of the person and say when he/she has reached the last step so he/she knows when to stop stepping.

Helping a Blind Person Indoors>>>

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