Interaction & Etiquette Tips

People with Vision Loss

FACTS

Vision loss varies tremendously in how one's sight is impacted and, as a result, how their life is impacted. In the same manner, their need and preference for accommodations varies as well.

INTERACTION TIPS

• When greeting, identify yourself by name and introduce anyone else who might be present. If the person does not extend their hand to shake hands, verbally extend a welcome.
  

• Offer the use of your arm (at or about the elbow), walking as you normally. This enables you to guide, rather than steering/leading the individual. When entering a narrow space, move your guiding arm behind your back as a signal they should walk directly behind you. Give verbal instructions as well.
  

• Service dogs are working animals and they should not be treated as pets. Let the dogs do their job without giving them instructions, playing with them, or petting them. They are permitted to enter any public facility including restaurants.
  

• A cane is part of an individual's personal space. Do not touch or steer a person's cane.
  

• People with vision loss have individual needs regarding how they best receive information. Large print is only useful for people who have some vision. Not all visually impaired people use Braille. Many people with vision loss prefer to receive audio-taped information. Ask in advance to confirm preferences and needs.
  

• Address questions, comments, or concerns directly to the individual, not to a person in their presence.
  

• Let the person know if you move your location or if the conversation needs to end. Verbally close a conversation and announce your departure before leaving a room.
  

• When guiding an individual through a doorway, inform them about whether the door opens in or out and to the right or left.
  

• Before ascending or descending steps, come to a complete stop, inform the person regarding the direction (up or down) and approximately how many steps there are. If there is a handrail, inform them of the location. If there is a choice between an escalator and an elevator, ask the person which they prefer.
  

• When giving a description of the surroundings, use descriptive phrases relating to sound, smell, and distance. Be as specific as possible and describe obstacles in the path of travel. Give clock clues: "The desk is at 3 o'clock."
  

• Give verbal cues when offering seating. Place the individual's hand on the back of the chair, and they will not require further assistance.
  

• When dealing with money, count bills separately and identify the denomination of the bills. This is not usually necessary with coins that can be identified by touch.
  

• When reading for a person, first describe the information to be read. Using a normal speaking voice, do not skip information unless requested to do so.

EXAMPLES OF ACCOMMODATIONS

• Text in alternate formats: large print (18 pt. font), Braille, computer disk, audio cassette.
  

• Page magnifier to place over standard text
  

• Text to voice computer programs

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