I don’t get offended by people offering help. It’s rather heartwarming to know so many people want to help me out, just because.

However! I do find it incredibly aggravating when people INSIST on helping me, and I have to either accept help that isn’t really helpful, or spend my time assuring them, that I’m really fine, and I really don’t need help, I promise.

So, best is to ask, and then take directions from the person you’re trying to help. Don’t assume you know what help they need; they’ll tell you.

I would just express those same things to him. I feel like it really shows intent, awareness, and respect if someone expresses that they want to help but that they don't want to overstep or make me feel like they are imposing on my independence without being asked.

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Unwelcome “help”: pushing me back into the street so I don’t step in a nasty puddle
Welcome help: working my stuck cane out of the sidewalk grate.

Always ask first.

I don't have a direct answer to your question but I'd like to say thank you for being considerate. I've had random times where people have offered me help when I didn't even know I needed it. I'd say if you see him struggling , rather than rushing to help , you should ask first. I'd only get offended if someone started touching my stuff or guiding me without permission.

i generally prefer to do things by myself, but i'm nit completely blind, just severly low vision.
But...when its clear i need help, and someone offers, rather than just giving me weird looks (because i dont use a cane or such most dont realise i cant see much) its a nice change and i appreciate it

As much as i appreciate it though, do not force me to take your help, i cherish what little independence i have, dont take that from me

Offering to help is never a problem. I mean if they say no back off, but other than that we really appreciate it. However, it’s always important to ask and not just force help on someone.

I think definitely asking hey would you like some help would be great. I actively ask for help a lot of the times. A lot of times if you ask you’ll get a conversation out of me.

Often it’s

No, but how is it going? And then we start talking. I’ve also said well if i need help I’ll know where to go :D.

Some of us are friendly and some yeah, very much less. I am very frank but also very affable. So yeah. Go figure.

The general principle I'd say is to just ask. If someone asks me if they can help me I really do appreciate it. But if you do something but you just do it more slowly and it looks like you're struggling to sighted people it is kinda upsetting to have something taken out of your hands. It just doesn't feel like you're treated as a capable adult then and it hurts. On the other hand, if it's specifically about finding things I feel that just handing someone what they're looking for is certainly a nice act of kindness.

In any case, hats off to you for being a helpful individual who brings kindness to your community and who wants to take the time to understand someone else.

Don't touch without asking either. So many people like to grab and pull and it's not only disorientating, it also hurts and leaves bruises.

There is a legit way to offer someone your arm to be their guide person.

$1