There are times when a blind or visually impaired person may need someone’s help to get somewhere. This section contains information on how to guide someone safely to their destination.
Introduce yourself: First of all, remember that even if you know the person well, they will not necessarily recognize you! Always introduce yourself so they know straight away who you are.
Making contact: ask if the person wants your help, and check whether they have a preferred side for guiding. Once you know their preferred side, stand on that side and let them know you are ready.
Grip: most people being guided will grip your arm above the elbow with their fingers to the inside and thumb to the outside of your arm. By holding your arm like this, your partner will be half a pace behind you, making it easier to tell when you are turning by the movement of your body. Begin walking when you are both ready, keeping your arm relaxed.
As you walk: walk at a pace that is comfortable for both of you and keep your arm relaxed at your side.
Walking in single file: you will often need to do this in shops, restaurants, and other busy areas where it is difficult to walk side by side. Tuck your arm behind you and towards the centre of your back. Your partner should fall in behind you and straighten their arm to avoid stepping on your heels. Once you have passed through the narrow space, return your arm to the normal position and your partner will move back to where he/she was before.
Street kerbs or stairs: when coming to steps up or down, pause and tell your partner there is a kerb or staircase ahead, and whether it goes up or down. Make sure you are one step ahead so your partner can follow your body movement. It is also a good idea to tell your partner how many steps there are if they can be easily counted.
If your partner wants to sit down: never back a person into a seat. Place your guiding hand on the back of the chair to indicate its position – your partner may slide his/her hand down your arm to the chair back. It is now up to him/her to move into the chair, but it might be a good idea to tell the person whether the chair has arms, or whether it is particularly low or high.
Getting into a car: guide your partner to the passenger’s side of the car. Say that you are now at the door and indicate the direction the car is facing. If necessary, place your guiding had on the door handle so your partner can slide a hand down to it. If the car is a 4-wheel drive with a running board, tell your partner they will need to step up onto this first before getting in.
In a room: always guide your partner to a wall, piece of furniture or something they can orientate to. It can be unnerving for them to be left in the middle of a room with nothing to relate to.
