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When you come in contact with a person who is blind or severely visually impaired, be aware of certain guidelines which will facilitate your interaction. Most persons with visual impairments have some vision. You may think they can see you fully or know what you are doing. To be on the safe side and avoid embarrassing situations, follow these basic guidelines.
- Announce that you are in the room and say who you are.
- Say what you are doing.
- Talk directly to the person – not through an intermediary.
- Stand where you can be seen or let the person know where you are. Try to avoid talking from behind the person.
- Speak distinctly to the person. Unless the person has a hearing impairment you do not need to raise your voice.
- Always answer questions and be specific or descriptive in your responses. Say when you are leaving and where you are going if it is appropriate, for example, going to the kitchen to get a drink of water.
- If you are asked to complete a task for the person who is visually impaired, always leave things in the same place you found them.
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Source: Adapted from the American Foundation for the Blind.
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