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Blind and Visually Impaired Community

Full History - 2018 - 12 - 13 - ID#a61enx
3
Interview etiquette when being interviewed by a person with a visual impairment (self.Blind)
submitted by superfleh
I will soon be interviewed for a position in Web Accessibility. The supervisor is visually impaired and I want to be sure I know the correct etiquette.

I would greatly appreciate any information and advice you guys can provide.

Thanks ahead of time.
jrs12 4 points 4y ago
If they are interviewing you it's not your job to help them. They are probably in an environment they are quite comfortable in and won't need your help. I'm assuming your interviewer will offer the hand shake first, but if they don't, just say, "Can I shake your hand?" Don't avoid seeing phrases like "I see what you mean" or "I don't see the point of that." Do use specific descriptions of pictures or locations of items. "Two feet to your left," instead of "over there."
superfleh [OP] 1 points 4y ago
Ok many thanks!
Laser_Lens_4 3 points 4y ago
Hi. Just a few tips from personal experience.

If you need to guide them through hallways or something, give them verbal directions. Don't grab them unless they ask. During the interview a blind person likely won't make eye contact. It's not really a thing we do. Giving you an ear is more common. If you want to shake their hand, tell them you're holding your hand out to shake.

It's nothing too bad or difficult. Just a couple small things to make the whole process easier for the both of you. Hope this helps
superfleh [OP] 2 points 4y ago
Thank you for taking the time to respond!
bscross32 2 points 4y ago
Being visually impaired / legally blind, I would say there isn't much in the way of etiquette in interacting with us. Some people, and I do believe they are well-meaning, will go out of their way not to say words like look, see, or basically anything to do with vision, such as watch, and so forth. These words are fine, we use them the same as anyone else. Generally, we are trying to live our lives, same as anyone else, and even if the person has the best of intentions, it comes off patronizing when they tip toe around that. Also, in the same vein, you can use the word blind, its not taboo. I'm hearing from people that phrases such as sight impaired, visually challenged, and some really off the wall ones I can't think of right now are being used. The point is, there's no reason to tiptoe around that either, if there's reason to mention blindness or something, you can say blind without feeling the need to come up with a phrase that is not offensive, because the term is not offensive to us, or most of us at any rate. We're blind, it is what it is.

tl;dr not all that much, just treat us like any other person wherever possible.
superfleh [OP] 2 points 4y ago
Thank you very much for taking the time to answer my question! I really appreciate it.
533291 1 points 4y ago
Happy Cake Day
superfleh [OP] 2 points 4y ago
Why thank you friend!
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