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If you’re reading this, it means you want to know how to offer some support to blind and partially sighted people when you’re out and about.
So a few of us have created this guide, because we know that approaching a stranger can be a bit… well, awkward.
In here you’ll find lots of vital tips that should make you more comfortable and confident, so you can do your bit to make sure everyone can get around easily.
It’s not always easy to know if someone has sight loss. But a lot of the time, there are some good indicators…
You’ve probably seen someone with a guide cane on your travels.
As you might know, it helps people with sight loss find obstacles and identify ways to get around, like steps or pavement edges.
Or of course, you might see someone with a guide dog.
We know they’re cute, but it’s really important that you don’t distract them. If they’re wearing a harness, it means they’re working. And no-one likes being interrupted at work. Even dogs.
Someone holding a shorter cane while walking (this is called a symbol cane)
Someone holding their phone close to their face
Or wearing dark glasses if they’re sensitive to light
Did you know?
It’s not easy to make the first move. Everyone knows that. But when it comes to offering some support, it’s really as simple as just asking…
Asking is important because the person may not actually need help.
And even if you get the okay, always check what kind of help is needed instead of just grabbing an arm. They might just want the bus number, not to do the foxtrot with you.
Say hello and introduce yourself
– a bit of chat makes it less awkward.
Ask if the person would like some help,
and what you can do, like help them find the bus door. Don’t be offended if you get a ‘no thanks’!
If someone wants to be guided,
ask how they’d like it to happen and follow their lead. Please don’t touch or grab their arm without asking – it can be quite unsettling!
Asking isn’t as awkward as you might think. Try this:
‘Hey, do you need some help crossing the road?’
or
‘Shall I read out the bus number for you?’
So, you’ve asked if you can help, and you’ve had the okay to start guiding. It’s all good so far. Now, here are a few bits of advice during the actual guiding bit…
Tell someone about any potential hazards in front of them and say where they are, or guide them around.
Same with kerbs and steps – let the person know they’re there. Oh, and don’t forget to say whether the steps go up or down. That’s important.
If you’re helping someone into a seat, ask if you can place their hand on the back of the seat before they sit down, so they can get their bearings.
When you get to the destination, explain where things are so they know what to do next. And please, please – say goodbye when you’re leaving so they don’t keep talking to you. Not a great look.
If you’re giving directions, try to avoid phrases like ‘over there’. Sounds obvious, but it happens more than you think. Best to be specific – ‘walk forward’, ‘turn left’ – or use a clockface, like ‘the bar is at your 2 o’clock’.
When we’re on our travels, there are certain things that can be a pain in the you-know-what. Here’s how you could help:
It’s never good when you get on the wrong bus is it? The bus number can be really hard to see, so if someone’s looking a bit unsure, you could always ask if they’d like you to confirm which bus it is, or help with finding the door.
Sometimes, the essentials get moved around, making things a bit complicated. So if you see someone with sight loss inspecting a product, or looking a bit unsure while reading the information on it, ask if you could clarify anything.
When there isn’t a clear kerb between pedestrians and vehicles, it can be really confusing. Someone might end up walking in the road or the cycling lane. So if you see that, ask if you can guide them back to safety.
If you want to be helpful for blind and partially sighted people, there are lots of things you could do to make our streets more inclusive…
The fact that you’ve taken an interest means a lot. Because the more people that know this stuff, the more inclusive everyday life will be.
So tell a friend. Tell a neighbour (while moving their bin). Share the web address below to make sure everyone has the confidence to make sure people with sight loss can be safer and more independent.
Don’t forget, you can also save this page in your browser to come back to it later, or download it here.
