Blind and Visually Impaired Community
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Recognising someone to say hello (self.Blind)
submitted by Windolene
Hello.
So there's a man I see every day as we go the same way to work. He's blind or visually impaired (white cane) and on three or four occasions I've spoken to him - there's lots of building and road works, it's a busy one-way street, so it's been to tell him that the pavement was totally dug up and there was a temporary crossing to replace the one he normally uses- "I'm passing the temporary crossing up ahead and I'll show you where it is if you want to walk with me" - or to say that the crossing light is out of order if you want to cross with me, etc.
He's really nice and it's just a regular pleasant sort of interaction that would (with a normally sighted person) lead to us saying hi, how are you, small talk while we're waiting for the light to change, that sort of thing.
The next time we're at the same traffic light waiting to cross, I was thinking of just saying "hi, sorry I never said before, I'm Windolene, we've spoken a few times before, it's a nice day isn't it?" or something like that in hopes that he'll tell me his name and then I can smalltalk him when we pass- "hey how's it going", that sort of thing.
Is this a weird thing to do? Will he recognise my voice if (after I introduce myself) I say Hey How's it Going in passing? Should I make sure to use his name (if he tells me it) so he knows I'm talking to him? Basically, how do people who are blind or visually impaired enough that they can't visually recognise people they know in passing handle small talk and casual social interactions?
100% totally open to any comments or corrections in any language I'm using or assumptions I've made btw. And also if it matters I'm not trying to get with this dude, I'm married and he's about 30 years older than me at least. Just want to be cool and friendly with people of all kinds!
So there's a man I see every day as we go the same way to work. He's blind or visually impaired (white cane) and on three or four occasions I've spoken to him - there's lots of building and road works, it's a busy one-way street, so it's been to tell him that the pavement was totally dug up and there was a temporary crossing to replace the one he normally uses- "I'm passing the temporary crossing up ahead and I'll show you where it is if you want to walk with me" - or to say that the crossing light is out of order if you want to cross with me, etc.
He's really nice and it's just a regular pleasant sort of interaction that would (with a normally sighted person) lead to us saying hi, how are you, small talk while we're waiting for the light to change, that sort of thing.
The next time we're at the same traffic light waiting to cross, I was thinking of just saying "hi, sorry I never said before, I'm Windolene, we've spoken a few times before, it's a nice day isn't it?" or something like that in hopes that he'll tell me his name and then I can smalltalk him when we pass- "hey how's it going", that sort of thing.
Is this a weird thing to do? Will he recognise my voice if (after I introduce myself) I say Hey How's it Going in passing? Should I make sure to use his name (if he tells me it) so he knows I'm talking to him? Basically, how do people who are blind or visually impaired enough that they can't visually recognise people they know in passing handle small talk and casual social interactions?
100% totally open to any comments or corrections in any language I'm using or assumptions I've made btw. And also if it matters I'm not trying to get with this dude, I'm married and he's about 30 years older than me at least. Just want to be cool and friendly with people of all kinds!
fastfinge 8 points 6y ago
Yeah, saying Hi is perfectly normal! He may or may not recognize you; it really depends. Often, I don't pay close attention to the voice of someone I never expect to encounter again, and it can take me a little while to realize that I'm walking past the same person every day. Don't be offended if he doesn't recognize that you've interacted previously. Traveling requires a lot of our focus and attention, so we often tune out things that aren't directly related to travel. Using his name, if you know it, is a good idea. It can be hard to tell if a generic "Hi! How's things?" is directed at you, or at someone else. Otherwise, your introduction is perfectly fine. Just treat him like you would anyone else, for the most part.
Windolene [OP] 3 points 6y ago
Cool thank you! Totally makes sense that travelling can require a lot of focus - lots of information to hold in your mental map I guess. I'll definitely think I'll just introduce myself sometime when it seems natural, probably when we're waiting forever for the green man at the crosswalk, and see how it goes. Also since I have a foreign accent here where I live it will probably make it easier for him to recognise my voice.
awesomesaucesaywhat 6 points 6y ago
Once you introduce yourself you can always say "hey, *dude*, it's windolene" the next time you see him. But I would suggest substituting dude for his name.
Edit: I mean say his name, not dude
Edit: I mean say his name, not dude
Terry_Pie 2 points 6y ago
That would be my recommendation too. Find out his name, then everytime you see him you open with "Hi [name], it's Windolene."
Unless you're well known, always best to introduce yourself by name.
Unless you're well known, always best to introduce yourself by name.
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