Tips for aiding people with visual impairment
Over the past couple of months, we have been learning the tips on aiding people with visual impairment in the area of three (3) ‘A’s (Approach, Ask and Assist). This week we are rounding up on that session and as such would like us to have a recap of our previous sessions. We have learnt that:
- When talking or addressing people with visual impairment, address them by their names so they know you are speaking to them.
- When you enter a room where there is a visually impaired person there, always let the person know that you have entered the room (they can sense when someone is around).
- Do not walk away from a person who is blind or have low vision without indicating that you are doing so (you know it is embarrassing and frustrating to talk to thin air).
- Let the person who is blind or have low vision take your arm when you are walking with them.
- Say "STOP" rather than "LOOK OUT" In dangerous situations.
- Remember, in a conference room, working environment, school rooms or any inclusive place, do not relocate objects such as furniture without telling the person who is blind or has low vision as they memorize the position of these stuff for easy movement.
- As you describe the surroundings and obstacles in a person with visual impairment pathway (remember to look up as well as down). Be aware or of the presence of over-hangs, such as kitchen cupboards, jutting side mirrors of cars, or trees.
- When serving the person with visual impairment, do not fill glasses or cups to the brim.
- Always use ordinary language when directing or describing and be specific. Do not point, or say "over there" (remember they are visually impaired!). Direct people who are blind or have low vision to their left or right and not yours.
- Do not Use words like "look" and "see"; they are part of everyone's vocabulary. Otherwise both you and the person who is blind or have low vision will feel awkward.
- Do not leave doors ajar. Close them or open them fully.
- In a meeting or any form of gathering, be aware that the person who is blind or has low vision will be disadvantaged by not seeing what is going on. Therefore talk about what is happening.
- During communication, ask people who are blind or have low vision what they want or need directly. Do not direct questions through their companion (they can hear).
- If people who are blind or have low vision extend their hands to shake, accept their shake.
- Do not ask a person with visual impairment to drop his guiding tool and rely on you due to your presence and readiness to assist him or her.
This is where we draw the curtains on aiding people with visual impairment tit bits.
Join us again next month on the GESI Corner where we starting our new series on Communicating Tools.