Ensight Skills Center & Curtis Strong Center for the Visually Impaired

Good Ideas for Family and Friends

• People with vision problems NEED NOT BE DEPENDENT on others.  Words like “look,” “see,” and “blind,” should be used without embarrassment in front of people who are visually impaired.
  
• People with vision problems DO NOT NEED PITY but RATHER ENCOURAGEMENT AND SUPPORT where necessary.
  
• Sighted people do not always “know what is best” for an older person with a vision problem.  Most can make decisions for themselves- they have done it all their lives.
  
• Many seniors can learn new skills quickly- they have a lifetime of experiences and visual memories to use and experiment with.  They should always be asked for their opinions.
  
• Professional rehabilitation vision specialists are available to work with older clients.  They are not offering charity.  They are providing services required by the law for which all visually impaired people are eligible.  Make sure you or your family member receive these services and are satisfied with them.  If not, persist until you get what you need.
  
• Most visually impaired persons can communicate normally and do not need interpreters.  Speak directly to the individual (not to the person with them).  (When eating out with a blind person encourage the waiter to speak to the person if he asks you “what does he want?”)
  
• Encourage older visually impaired persons to help themselves while offering suggestions to help them undertake tasks safely and comfortably.
  
• Do not foster false medical hope that could delay seeking appropriate assistance.  Get information about the particular eye disorder or disorders from the agencies or organizations listed in resource lists.
  
• Recognize stereotyped ideas you may have about getting “older” and “being blind”
  
• Be constructive and positive in your actions.  Find resources that may encourage them to revive old skills and become involved, once again, in pleasurable activities.
  
• Before making or helping to make decisions about how best to care for and help the older impaired person, make sure you have considered all the options and implications.  Talk to professionals and ask their advice.
  
• When you are walking with an older person who has a visual impairment, have him or her hold your arm just above the elbow.  If support is necessary, support his or her lower arm with your own.  Do not push or pull- it is not necessary, and it looks undignified.  To pass through a narrow passage or between objects, simply drop your arm to the side and then behind your back.  This action will indicate to the individual as they feel this movement that they need to move in directly behind you.  When the arm is raised again, they will know that it is safe to walk more to the side.  When assisting a person to a chair, put his or her hand on the back of the chair and allow the person to seat themselves.
  
• Identify yourself when approaching him or her.
  
• Make sure the person knows you are talking to him or her.  Address them by name.  When leaving a visually impaired person, tell him or her.  Do not leave them talking to the air.
  
• Always OFFER assistance- do not pull or push or force.  (Do not be offended if the person declines offers of help).
  
• Keep objects out of walkways.  Doors should either be opened or closed.
  
• When walking with a visually impaired person, advise him or her of objects in the path if you are not guiding them.  This is helpful, however, it is not usually necessary when you are acting as a sighted guide.  He or she can feel the motion of your body and respond accordingly.
  
• Encourage the visually impaired person to continue enjoying life and maintaining as much independence as possible.
  
• Most of ALL – be sensitive, and use common sense.  Treat a visually impaired person as you would like others to treat you.
  
• Do not pet or distract a guide dog in harness.  When out of the harness, they may be treated as a pet.  When they are in harness, they are working.
  
• A white cane may be used for identification, as well as safety in mobility.  However, a visually impaired person who is in a familiar area may not need a cane.  When out of that familiar area, a cane may be needed.  Partially sighted individuals may use a white cane more for identification than as a needed tool for safe mobility.  The white cane identifies them as someone who has a visual problem.  They may ask about signs, etc., that they cannot read.