How to Help Someone Who Is Visually Impaired

Assisting People With Visual Impairment

The techniques described in this article are based upon the expertise and recommendations of professionals who have refined and utilized these techniques. The ideal methodology will preserve the dignity of the person while providing the most effective techniques for providing assistance (if it is accepted).

Rules For Assisting People With Impaired Vision

The following suggestions are a good blueprint:

• Consider the person: People with visual impairment are not a monolithic entity. Every person is unique in terms of their age, character, functionality, life experience, and the nature of their impairment. All of these factors must be taken into account when offering assistance in terms of respecting their dignity, and in how you might go about providing help if it is accepted. 
• Living with someone with low vision: If you live with someone with low vision, be mindful of keeping things in the same place since moving things around can be very frustrating for them. They may depend on memory of where things are, rather than vision. What might seem as a minor annoyance to someone else, can be very frustrating for someone with low vision.
• Consider the environment: Always consider the environment. If your host is a visually impaired woman in her own home making you a cup of tea, she will likely be fine. This is obviously a different situation than a man with visual impairment who appears lost in a crowded mall. Always consider the environment.
• Respect their dignity: People with impaired vision may be sensitive about their condition. Even a well-mannered individual can inadvertently say something that may offend. Address such people as you would any other person without pandering or appearing patronizing to them. Use your common sense.
• Introduce yourself. Ask if they would like your assistance. Bear in mind that even if they know you well, they may have trouble recognizing you.
• They may say no: They may not want your help. You can't force your assistance upon someone. Be polite and don't get insulted or be argumentative if your offer is refused. Naturally, if the individual is a small child, you need to consider the situation differently to ensure her safety.
• Ask them what they would like you to do. In many instances, the individual knows precisely what they would like from you. They may say, "stand on my left side with your right arm on my left arm". You can ask them which side they would like you to stand on. 
• Be precise and specific: Give detailed instructions about what you are doing beforehand and throughout your assistance. If you need them to do something, let them know in advance and explain what is happening. Give them plenty of time.