Blind and Visually Impaired Community
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How to serve blind customers? (self.Blind)
submitted by Whereami259
Hello,
I work in small store and yesterday for the first time I had blind customer and realized how little I actually know how to help those kind of customers.
I'd love to know first hand on how you would like to be served.
Thank you.
I work in small store and yesterday for the first time I had blind customer and realized how little I actually know how to help those kind of customers.
I'd love to know first hand on how you would like to be served.
Thank you.
-shacklebolt- 9 points 5y ago
Usually the best thing to do is ask. "How can I help you?" so if someone is looking for a specific item, or wants to be shown a certain section, they can tell you (or say "no thanks.")
Other than that, the only generic advice I can think of is to make sure to verbally say the total at checkout, if a signature is needed offer help finding the line and ask how to point it out if they say yes, and identify cash bills quietly as you hand them back so they can be sorted right.
In terms of trouble finding the credit reader, a verbal description is usually fine if it's a fixed system. "about 8 inches ahead of your right hand at 2o'clock." If it's movable like those little corded readers, might just be easier to put it right ahead of their hand and let them know. If someone needs more help beyond that point they'll probably ask.
Other than that, the only generic advice I can think of is to make sure to verbally say the total at checkout, if a signature is needed offer help finding the line and ask how to point it out if they say yes, and identify cash bills quietly as you hand them back so they can be sorted right.
In terms of trouble finding the credit reader, a verbal description is usually fine if it's a fixed system. "about 8 inches ahead of your right hand at 2o'clock." If it's movable like those little corded readers, might just be easier to put it right ahead of their hand and let them know. If someone needs more help beyond that point they'll probably ask.
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Whereami259 [OP] 1 points 5y ago
Thanks, this was the best advice I was given.
WeSaidMeh 6 points 5y ago
I worked with blind people for a while, and still am good friends with some of them.
If in any doubt: Just ask politely. Most blind people are used to people that are not used to them. No need to stumble around the obvious. There is nothing wrong about saying "Oh you are blind? Please tell me how I can assist you best".
Important: Don't just grab a blind person's arm and pull him or her around. That's rude. Just ask "May I lead you around and show you our products?". If they want to, they will offer you to hook in or tell you how you can help otherwise.
Edit: If you could tell me what kind of store you work at and what your job is there I'd be glad to give you more specific advice.
If in any doubt: Just ask politely. Most blind people are used to people that are not used to them. No need to stumble around the obvious. There is nothing wrong about saying "Oh you are blind? Please tell me how I can assist you best".
Important: Don't just grab a blind person's arm and pull him or her around. That's rude. Just ask "May I lead you around and show you our products?". If they want to, they will offer you to hook in or tell you how you can help otherwise.
Edit: If you could tell me what kind of store you work at and what your job is there I'd be glad to give you more specific advice.
Whereami259 [OP] 2 points 5y ago
It's a small electronics store so it's pretty easy to bring stuff to them and hold it to try it out (which I did).
But that's the thing,for instance this woman had a bit of trouble finding POS system etc and I didnt really know how to help other than placing it closer to her hand.
But that's the thing,for instance this woman had a bit of trouble finding POS system etc and I didnt really know how to help other than placing it closer to her hand.
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PhotoJim99 1 points 5y ago
It's okay to touch the arm or shoulder of a blind person when you're about to speak to them to make it clear that you're speaking to them specifically, but I agree, don't lead them around without them asking (or you can offer, if you want - "I can show you around if that will help you".)
-shacklebolt- 6 points 5y ago
Your friends may be okay with that, but no. If a total stranger touched me to make it clear they were talking to me, I'd be pissed off.
"Don't touch strangers without their consent" is pretty much the thing to do in every situation except necessity (if you see someone about to get hit by a bus or something.)
Even among my blind friends, we don't go around playing tag to have conversations. Sometimes if we're in a group you'll hear "who, me?" a few times. No big deal.
"Don't touch strangers without their consent" is pretty much the thing to do in every situation except necessity (if you see someone about to get hit by a bus or something.)
Even among my blind friends, we don't go around playing tag to have conversations. Sometimes if we're in a group you'll hear "who, me?" a few times. No big deal.
PhotoJim99 1 points 5y ago
Even if they just briefly touched you? That seems harsh to be pissed off with that. It's the equivalent of eye contact.
I'm talking about a situation where there's a lot of ambiguity, e.g. a server at a restaurant wanting to get your attention to see if you needed another drink. A quick touch of your arm and "Can I get you another drink?" seems a lot more efficient than a whole bunch of pausing and "Who, me?".
I'm talking about a situation where there's a lot of ambiguity, e.g. a server at a restaurant wanting to get your attention to see if you needed another drink. A quick touch of your arm and "Can I get you another drink?" seems a lot more efficient than a whole bunch of pausing and "Who, me?".
-shacklebolt- 4 points 5y ago
No, physical contact is not the equivalent of eye contact. Physical contact is physical contact.
You don't know how that person feels about physical contact or how they will react to it.
I can't imagine needing a series of "who, me" in that scenario. If a server is at my table I will assume they are speaking to my table?
(I will make a limited exception to this general guidance to say that if someone is deafblind and cannot hear you sufficiently or see a wave, you can generally tap their shoulder to get their attention, but not any other part of their body unless told otherwise.)
You don't know how that person feels about physical contact or how they will react to it.
I can't imagine needing a series of "who, me" in that scenario. If a server is at my table I will assume they are speaking to my table?
(I will make a limited exception to this general guidance to say that if someone is deafblind and cannot hear you sufficiently or see a wave, you can generally tap their shoulder to get their attention, but not any other part of their body unless told otherwise.)
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