How you may help a Vision Impaired Person (VIP)

• Vision impairment is a physical handicap which can be minimised by appropriate rehabilitation and by development and use of the other senses.



• About nine out of ten VIP’s you meet have lost their sight in adulthood. They are likely to be interested in the same things as you are.



• They don’t need your pity or your expressions of sympathy and wonder.



• When speaking to a VIP speak no more loudly than necessary; speak distinctly and direct your words to the VIP alone.



• When guiding a VIP ask him/her to take your bent arm by the elbow and you lead. Never take his/her arm and try to push him/her ahead of you.



• Show him/her where your elbow is, by touching his/her arm with it. Hold your elbow to your side and walk half a pace ahead of him/her.



• In dangerous places or on stairs, stay a whole pace ahead.



• In a narrow space swing your guiding elbow behind your body and this will be his/her cue to step behind you and to keep behind you until your arm is again by your side.



• Tell a VIP whom you have not guided before when you come to steps or to any place where he/she may stumble. Indicate whether the step or curb goes up or down.



• Approach a step or a curb at right angles.



• When giving directions, say simply "move to your right" or "move to your left".



• Give exact directions and try to anticipate and so avoid difficulties.



• A half-opened door is a most dangerous obstacle, as is an unusual object left where a VIP may walk alone.
  
  
• In guiding a VIP towards a chair bring him/her to where he/she can touch it. Tell him/her what part of the chair he/she is touching and which way the chair is facing.



• In guiding a VIP into a car, tell him/her which direction the car is facing. Place one hand on the door handle. The other hand is placed on top of the car. The VIP can now manoeuvre into the car.



• Beware of slamming car doors until you are sure his/her hands are clear.



• Identify yourself when you approach a VIP and introduce other guests.



• Shake hands when you meet or leave the VIP as he/she can't see your smile or nod of greeting; nor can he/she see when you or others leave the group.



• Describe unobtrusively what is happening when you are in a private or public gathering.



• Avoid social embarrassment for him/her. For instance, say exactly where the platform is at public meetings. (A VIP may think it is in the direction of the loud speaker if a public address system is in use).



• Small things may also cause embarrassment – a full cup is hare to balance without spilling.



• You can also help by describing what food is on the plate and its position.



• If you are in doubt whether you can be of assistance, offer help and let the VIP guide you as to his/her needs.

Low Vision - Queensland
OPTOMETRISTS
ASSOCIATION AUSTRALIA
Queensland & Northern Territory
Optometry House
58 St Pauls Terrace
Spring Hill Qld 4000

URL: http://www.lowvision.optomsqld.com
Phone: (07) 3839 4411
Fax: (07)3839 4499


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