Most people have hardly had the chance to interact with visually disabled patients. Therefore, it is extremely easy to get confused regarding how to treat them when you are in their company. Unfortunately, popular representations of the visually impaired community in movies and television are hardly accurate and thus spread many misconceptions among consumers. Ads and movies almost always preach how you should always help the person disabled, but in all cases, it is not the best way. You need not constantly highlight their disability throughout your interaction. You can very well try to make them feel as normal as possible. Experts say having a casual relationship with such people is the best way.
If you are not sure of the ways to show care to your elders or friends who are blind, we hope this article will help you. We will discuss the courtesies you must offer visually impaired individuals.
Important Courtesies to Remember When Dealing with Blind People
- Offer Help When Needed
Most people assume disabled people require help. This assumption itself may come off as discriminatory and demeaning. That being said, always help blind people in situations they may need help but ask first. For instance, if you find a person waiting to cross the road, do not grab their arm but ask them politely if they wish to be helped and do so only when they answer in the affirmative. If your help is denied, do not push or insist. Offer help but accept their decision to grant or refuse it. If your family member or friends refuses to use your help, do not harbor hard feelings toward them or think they are being arrogant or overconfident. Respect their decision and move on.
- Communicate Before Leaving
Before you leave them, ask if they would need some more help or not. If they say no, inform them you are leaving.
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- Precise Directions
When giving directions to blind people, remember that they cannot perceive the environment as you do. Therefore, do not give them vague directions like “over there” but rather elaborate it precisely in feet, left, right etc. Also, use landmarks like doors, tables etc., that they are familiar with.
- Announce the Food Items
When serving food or snacks, name the items being served. Also, explain the positions of the crockeries, items and drinks to help them navigate the course.
- Help Them Organize
If your blind loved ones are leaving for a doctor’s appointment or other purposes, help them organize and pack important things. Gather all the essentials for doctor’s appointments and keep them in the bag. Make sure you explain the arrangement well, so they get everything they need at the clinic without much trouble.
- Leave Things in Place
Blind people cannot function well in unfamiliar places and thus do not move things around in a blind person’s office or home. They would lose their sense of direction and might cause an accident or not find an important thing. Let things be as they are even if you think the arrangement isn’t right. Remember that it is their arrangement, and they are used to that. Altering the places can pose problems for them.
Arrange for an Appropriate Vehicle
People with disabilities need the right kind of vehicle. If you plan to transport them from one place to another in your car, ensure the seat belt is fastened properly and they have everything they might need within a hand’s reach.
If you cannot accompany them to the clinic or a social function, do not leave them to fend for themselves but arrange for a vehicle that would be appropriate. You can use NEMT services like Secure Comfort Care Transportation for a safe ride. These services have the best features for disabled people. The vans are equipped with crutches, wheelchairs, safety belts etc., to ensure no harm comes to them while in transit. They also come with caregivers who care for every need throughout the ride.
Therefore, it is the best alternative for blind people. You need not always hamper your work to accompany them. Rely on Secure Comfort Care, and you will never be
disappointed.
It is very important to understand that a person with a disability should not be identified only through the lens of disability. Treat blind people just as you would treat a normal person but be ready to help them whenever required.