Rules to Follow When Assisting Individuals with Visual Impairment

• Announce your presence; speak out when entering the work area.
• Speak naturally and directly to the individual, not through a third party.  Don’t shout.
• Don’t be afraid to use words like “look,”  “see,” or “blind.”
• Offer assistance, but let the individual explain what assistance is needed.
• Describe the actions that you are going to take in advance.
• Let the individual grasp your arm or shoulder lightly for guidance.
• Let the individual choose to walk slightly behind you to gauge your body reactions.
• Be sure to mention stairs, doorways, narrow passages, ramps, or other issues.
• If leading several individuals with visual impairments at the same time, ask them to hold each other’s hands.
• Ensure that after exiting the building, the individual(s) are not abandoned, but led to a place of safety and that someone remains until the emergency is over.