When people get awkward they sometimes will say things that they didn’t mean or have words come out that weren’t intended to offend do in fact offend. When you are around someone who has a disability such as being legally blind or blind, it can be hard to know exactly how to act. Unless you’ve grown up with someone like this it can be a bit hard to adjust, know how to treat them and other things.
Here are a few things that you should do around a visually impaired person and a few things that you shouldn’t do around a visually impaired person.
Act like they are human. You don’t need to shout, scream or baby the person. If you feel the need to ask them if they need help, do so but don’t be surprised if they say they don’t need help or want it. Just treat them like any other person you would be friends with.
Don’t Ask Can You See This. Inquire about what the person can see or can’t and any limitations that might come up while being around them. Don’t keep walking up to items or objects and asking if they can or can’t see things that are around them.
Comfort and Support. You should show comfort and support to the person. Just let them know that you are around should they need anything but if not then you still will be there when and if they need help.
Follow Their Lead. It is a good idea to follow the person’s lead on how to treat them. Some people don’t take offense to being asked for help and in fact like to have people help them whenever they can. Others find it offensive and believe that it is a major insult to ask for help. Just observe and follow what the person does or doesn’t do.
