Blind and Visually Impaired Community
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Question From A Sighted Person (self.Blind)
submitted by pikaneo
Hello! I had a quick question for the Blind and Visually Impaired community.
As a sighted person, is it offensive for me to ask someone who is Blind or visually impaired if they would like or need help in public? I understand that you are all quite capable of maneuvering daily life, so this isn't meant in a pitying type of way. Sometimes I do see Blind individuals struggling with particular tasks, like finding a certain door in an unfamiliar building.
Is it preferred to be left alone, or is it generally acceptable to offer help? I understand that not everyone will feel the same way about this, but I was curious if a general opinion on this topic existed. I also understand this could come across as insensitive to some, and I apologize if I offend anyone!
Thanks in advance for any replies and discussion!
As a sighted person, is it offensive for me to ask someone who is Blind or visually impaired if they would like or need help in public? I understand that you are all quite capable of maneuvering daily life, so this isn't meant in a pitying type of way. Sometimes I do see Blind individuals struggling with particular tasks, like finding a certain door in an unfamiliar building.
Is it preferred to be left alone, or is it generally acceptable to offer help? I understand that not everyone will feel the same way about this, but I was curious if a general opinion on this topic existed. I also understand this could come across as insensitive to some, and I apologize if I offend anyone!
Thanks in advance for any replies and discussion!
Sommiel 9 points 6y ago
Sometimes help is nice, too much help can be annoying. It's definitely bad if you touch me without warning or asking.
Today I was at the county building and people were very nice in directing me to the elevator and figuring out which one was going up or down. By all means, hold a door and direct me by voice. I appreciate that. But grabbing me and directing me makes me nuts. And yes, people do this. If you want to lead someone, let them put their hand on your shoulder, instead of you touching them.
There is a big emphasis in mobility/cane training about keeping safe. As a female, I am suspicious of men that might be overly helpful... for obvious reasons.
People often give completely useless help. "Over there" is not a direction that works for me and is generally the directions people give you on a bus.
"Five feet to your left" or a clock direction is better. We know the clock, because we sweep 10 to 2 with our canes.
One of the tech trainers that works at my local center, I knew from riding the bus to and from school. I had a car, but parking at the school was ridiculous and they offered free bus passes. He is completely blind since birth, as is his wife. I used to offer them rides when I would see them at the store and they never wanted to take them.
I have come to respect him immensely, he is awesome. He can use echo location indoors. But now that he knows me better, and knows that I have peripheral vision, he will happily put his hand on my shoulder outdoors to be led somewhere.
When you see someone that is blind, you don't know how blind they are and you have no idea what their level of independence is. Asking is fine, we won't take offense. Don't be pushy. Blind people are just like regular people, some of us are happy to accept help and some of us want to be left alone. Sometimes, it just depends on the situation.
Today I was at the county building and people were very nice in directing me to the elevator and figuring out which one was going up or down. By all means, hold a door and direct me by voice. I appreciate that. But grabbing me and directing me makes me nuts. And yes, people do this. If you want to lead someone, let them put their hand on your shoulder, instead of you touching them.
There is a big emphasis in mobility/cane training about keeping safe. As a female, I am suspicious of men that might be overly helpful... for obvious reasons.
People often give completely useless help. "Over there" is not a direction that works for me and is generally the directions people give you on a bus.
"Five feet to your left" or a clock direction is better. We know the clock, because we sweep 10 to 2 with our canes.
One of the tech trainers that works at my local center, I knew from riding the bus to and from school. I had a car, but parking at the school was ridiculous and they offered free bus passes. He is completely blind since birth, as is his wife. I used to offer them rides when I would see them at the store and they never wanted to take them.
I have come to respect him immensely, he is awesome. He can use echo location indoors. But now that he knows me better, and knows that I have peripheral vision, he will happily put his hand on my shoulder outdoors to be led somewhere.
When you see someone that is blind, you don't know how blind they are and you have no idea what their level of independence is. Asking is fine, we won't take offense. Don't be pushy. Blind people are just like regular people, some of us are happy to accept help and some of us want to be left alone. Sometimes, it just depends on the situation.
pikaneo [OP] 2 points 6y ago
Thank you so much for this reply! This definitely helps me and has taught me a lot.
WindupBot 4 points 6y ago
The answer to that probably depends on who you ask, but personally, I don't mind-especially if you see my obviously struggling with something I'm trying to do.
pikaneo [OP] 1 points 6y ago
Good to know. I was always just really nervous about offending someone. Thank you for your input!
intrepidia 1 points 6y ago
I have a personal policy of leaving people alone unless there is a safety or severe orientation problem in the making. Evan if they look like they are having a difficult time, they have the tools and resources to sort things out.
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