WAYS TO HELP PEOPLE HELP YOU

Sometimes when I tell people about my vision challenges, they are ask if there is anything they can do to help me. Though I am tempted to say Yes, please rotate the tires on my car, I usually can’t think of anything specific.

Most people who ask are gracious and sincere but sometimes helpers can overdue it.  The key is to practice low vision etiquette. 

A friend recently recommended an article [link] called Blind Etiquette: Six Ways to Be Gracious Around People with Visual Impairments. 

The article, written by Stefanie Clouter, has tips that also apply to people like me who experience low vision. 

Clouter begins with this advice:

There’s no ‘secret’ to interacting with people who are blind. They just want to be treated like everybody else, with courtesy and respect. So relax and act naturally.

Clouter’s etiquette tips for the blind (shown in the image on the right) are adaptable to low vision situations. 

 Here is my version of Clouter’s list:

KEN’S ETIQUETTE TIPS TO ASSIST FOLKS WITH LOW VISION

1.) If you think someone who has low vision may need help navigating the route from here-to-there, ask first.

Folks with low vision often don’t see a person approaching them. Touching or bold offers of help can be jarring. So, it is best to be calm and polite.  Ask the person with low vision if they need help. That way the person has a chance to say “yes please” or “no thank you.”

• If your help is accepted, tell this person to grasp your arm just above the elbow and then lead the way.

It is easy to guide the person because they feel your movements. Walk at a comfortable pace as you get the person on the road to their destination.

• If you see someone who is visually impaired about to encounter a dangerous situation, be calm and clear when you warn the person.

Don’t yell Hey you, watch out!

Use clear descriptive language such as “You are approaching a curb. It is right in front of you.”  Use directional language that is specific such as “to your left” or “directly behind you” rather than “it’s over there.”

• Even if you know the person, identify yourself when you are approaching someone with impaired vision.

The person may not recognize you by your voice.  In a group setting, address people by name.  Announce when you are leaving the area so the low vision person doesn’t continue talking to an empty room.

• Use respectful language and avoid terminology that stereotypes the person with low vision. Like you, they are people who want a human connection.

It is better to say "a person who is blind" rather than "a blind person." If you are in doubt, ask the person.