Merry Christmas and happy holidays! We shall continue this month on the various guide techniques to aid in walking with a visually impaired. Let’s remind ourselves of the definitions we learnt during the last chapter.

Definitions

Throughout these instructions; the sighted person will be referred to as the guide whiles the visually impaired person will be referred to as the follower.

STANCE

Guide: Stand with your arm relaxed at your side or bent at the elbow.

Follower: Your arm should be bent at the elbow, placing you one half step behind the guide.

Tips: Keeping the elbow bent for prolonged periods of time can be uncomfortable for the guide. Experienced guides and followers can often travel just as well with the guide’s hand dropped to a vertical position. Walk at a pace that is comfortable for both the guide and the follower. The guide should not be “dragging or towing” the follower and the follower should not be pushing the guide.

NARROW PASSAGE

Guide: Continue facing forward, move your arm diagonally across your back.

Follower: Straighten out your arm and move directly behind the guide thus following effectively in single file.

 Join us again next again next month/year for another great series on the GESI Corner.