Six Tips for Interacting with a Visually Impaired Person
For many of us, meeting a person with a visual impairment can be intimidating. What if we do something wrong?
"It’s OK not to know," says Amanda Cornelius, a licensed clinical social worker at the John A. Moran Eye Center at the University of Utah. "But don’t let that stop you from interacting. Doing so just creates more isolation.”
If you're unsure about the proper etiquette for meeting someone with visual impairments, here are some tips from Moran’s Patient Support Program, which provides comprehensive services to patients with vision loss.
Relax, Be Yourself
It’s OK to approach a person with visual impairment. When you do, relax and speak to them in your normal tone.
Ask Before Assisting
Don’t assume someone needs help. Most people who are blind or visually impaired have no problems navigating their day-to-day activities. But, if a person appears to be struggling, ask if they would like assistance, just as you would anyone else.
Introduce Yourself
Until they know your voice, always announce your name upon meeting, along with anyone else in the group. If they offer their hand, shake it. When you leave, say so. Other than that, converse normally.
Topics of Conversation
Feel free to talk about visual entertainment such as movies, sports, and books. People with visual impairment have the same interests as sighted people and have ways of “seeing” the same events and reading the same books.
Sight Words are OK
It’s OK to use words like “look” or “see.” Visually impaired people know these are simply phrases, but avoid pointing or other visual language, such as “the lamp is over there.”
Guide Dog Guidance
If they have a guide dog, don’t pet or talk to it without asking first. These dogs are working, and attention can be distracting.
How to Support a Loved One Losing Their Vision
Vision loss can be overwhelming—but it does not have to be isolating. Licensed clinical social worker Lisa Ord, PhD, shares how emotional support, practical tools, and open communication can help individuals and their families adjust to changes in sight.
