How to Guide a Blind Person

The number one biggest mistake that people make when guiding a blind person is that they believe it’s exactly as if they themselves were closing their eyes. The reality of being blind is that their senses are heightened. We, the sighted, rely on our sense of sight for everything. A blind person doesn’t rely at all on his sense of sight, and now relies on all of his other senses to get a mental picture of what’s around him. So the first thing that every sighted person must do when they are guiding a blind person, is forget the idea that they know what to do.

Allow Them to Hold You

When you guide a blind person, it is easier for them to hold onto to you, rather then you hold onto them. In this way, they are able to control their own movements and only have to compensate for whatever you’re doing. They can walk, find what it is they are sensing, and watch out for themselves when walking. they feel that they are in control, and they are more comfortable with it.

Use a Group of Finger Controls

Many blind persons are OK with holding hands with someone, if they are still somewhat in control. Being in control of their own walking is very important, because everyone has their own gait. The sway, the arm swing, and even the way their hips move allows them to balance themselves out. As soon as anyone or anything compromises that, they are off balance and it becomes a struggle. If you put together a group of finger taps that will allow the blind person to know that you’re about to take a left, step up, walk faster, etc it gives them the opportunity to adjust for what is about to happen.

Use Noise

A lot of blind people have such a heightened sense of hearing that a mere tapping or clicking will give them enough information to follow quite well. In addition to that, it’s also a good idea to create a series of important clicks or snaps such as stop, step up, etc.

When guiding a blind person, we as the sighted, must get out of the mindset that we know what’s best. We must get out of the idea that we know what to do. instead, the easiest thing to do is ask. Guiding a blind person is very rewarding.

 Category: Lifestyle
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