COMMUNICATION STYLES & ETIQUETTE

We may be caught off guard when we come across someone who is blind or has low vision. It is often hard to know what level of vision they might have. We might also be a little shy or not know if we should interact or how to interact. Most often the person with low or now vision really welcomes a hello. For one thing, it gives a bit of security that someone is there and cares enough to say hello. Those of us who are sighted use all sorts of methods to acknowledge someone. Some are verbal, some not. We can flash a smile, nod our head, mumble a “wuzup” and so on. The visually impaired don’t have the luxury of communicating through non-verbal means.

Below are some guidelines and examples for social etiquette when interacting with people who are blind or have severe vision impairment. The blogs by Gina Martin, Founder of Diverseabilities of Canada are particularly helpful. Below the links you will see a more basic checklist of for interacting with the blind and low vision.

This link is to a blog by Gina Martin, Founder of Diverseabilies in Canada. It has excellent tips for the sighted when interacting with people who have no to low vision.

https://www.diverseabilities.ca/entries/tips/helpful-tips-for-the-sighted-when-interacting-with-people-who-have-no-to-low-vision

 

Here’s another link to a blog by Gina Martin, Founder of Diverseabilies in Canada. Here she offers Guidance on saying “Hello” to someone who is blind or partially sighted.

https://www.diverseabilities.ca/entries/assistive-technology/saying-hello–to-someone-who-is-blind-or-partially-sighted–

A basic checklist for interacting with people who have low or no vision. The blog links abve go into greater depth, be sure to check themout.  

  1. Introduce yourself:

   – Always introduce yourself when entering a room or starting a conversation.

   – Example: “Hi Sarah, it’s John. I’ve just come into the office.”

 

  1. Use names:

   – Address the person by name so they know you’re speaking to them.

   – In group settings, say the name of the person you’re addressing.

 

  1. Offer assistance, but don’t assume it’s needed:

   – Ask if help is needed before providing it.

   – Example: “Would you like me to guide you to the chair?”

 

  1. Describe the environment:

   – Provide brief descriptions of the surroundings or any changes.

   – Example: “There’s a coffee table about two steps ahead of you.”

 

  1. Use descriptive language:

   – Avoid vague terms like “over there” or “this” and “that”.

   – Be specific: “The salt is at 3 o’clock on your plate.”

 

  1. Don’t avoid words like “see” or “look”:

   – It’s okay to use visual language naturally.

 

  1. Speak directly to the person:

   – Don’t talk through a companion or guide.

 

  1. Announce when you’re leaving:

   – Let them know when you’re exiting a conversation or room.

 

  1. Ask before petting or distracting a guide dog:

   – Remember, guide dogs are working and shouldn’t be distracted.

 

  1. Offer to read written information:

    – For menus, forms, or other written materials.

 

  1. Be specific about handshakes:

    – Say, “Would you like to shake hands?” and gently touch their hand.

 

  1. In dining situations:

    – Describe the location of food items using clock positions.

    – Offer to cut food if needed, but ask first.

 

  1. Don’t shout:

    – Vision impairment doesn’t necessarily affect hearing.

 

Remember, every individual is different, so it’s always best to ask about personal preferences when you’re unsure.