SIGHT LOSS
o If you meet a person with sight loss, always introduce yourself and any other people present by saying your name and your role. Talk directly to the person rather than through a third party. If someone joins or leaves the group, tell the person with sight loss that this has happened.
o When offering assistance to a person with sight loss, ask what they would like you to do. If they say that they would like to be guided, offer your elbow. Keep your arm by your side and the person can walk a little behind you, holding your arm just above your elbow. It is helpful to give commentary on what is around the person. Tell them about steps whether they are up or down and other obstacles as they occur.
o When visiting a person with sight loss at home, leave the room exactly as you found it for example, replace chairs correctly. If you move a possession of a person with sight loss, tell him or her that you are doing so, and put it back where it was afterwards so that they can find it when you are gone.
o If the person uses a guide dog you should never pat or stroke the dog when it is wearing a harness. Do not feed a guide dog without its owner's permission.
o When welcoming a person with sight loss into an unfamiliar room, give a brief description of the layout relative to their position. Point out potential hazards such as steps, head height hazards or tripping hazards such as a low coffee table or mat.
Further information may be obtained at:
National Council for the Blind of Ireland,
Whitworth Road, Drumcondra,
Dublin 9.
Locall: 1850 33 43 53