Etiquette: Communicating with visually impaired students
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Many people are unsure of how to communicate naturally with a blind person or how – or indeed, whether – to offer assistance. It helps if you remember the following.
- When greeting a student who is visually impaired, say who you are when you start to speak.
- To shake hands or not? Be guided by the actions of the visually impaired person because they may not be able to see your proffered hand.
- Speak naturally – do not avoid visually descriptive language or phrases such as ‘see you later’.
- Indicate that a conversation has ended or that you are leaving in order to avoid the student speaking when no-one is there.
- You may need to explain the reason for sudden loud noises or laughter.
- Guide dogs are working dogs and must not be distracted or fussed over. Unless you are involved in making an arrangement to accommodate them, they should generally be ignored; eye contact is discouraged.
- It can sometimes be helpful to give information about the physical environment.
- A blind student may or may not use a white cane or stick. ‘Symbol canes’ are usually just held, and their purpose is to advise that the person has difficulties seeing. Long canes are used to check the ground (e.g. for obstacles, steps, kerbs) for several paces ahead. A cane or stick with a red band means the person also has a hearing impairment. Do not move a blind person’s cane without their permission.
- A blind person learns the location of things, do not move them around without letting the person know.
Mobility assistance
A new student who is visually impaired is likely to require specialist mobility training to find their way to and around the campus. However there may be occasions when you need to provide mobility assistance.
- First and foremost, respect the person’s ability to do things for him or herself – do not provide assistance without first asking. Be aware that they may not want or need help.
- If your help is accepted, offer the blind person your arm - never grab the person’s arm or attempt to direct him or her by pushing or pulling.
- Walk one step ahead and tell the person about any changes in direction or terrain, obstacles, kerbs or steps.
- If you are helping a blind person to their seat, place their hand on the back of it when you arrive.
- Never take risks, especially when crossing the road.