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Talking with a
blind person
When
conversing with a blind person use normal terms as well as normal tones.
Go ahead and use words like "see" and "look". Speak
directly to a blind person, not through a third party. Interpretation is
not necessary. When asking a question, call the blind person by name so
he will know he is being addressed.
Leaving
a blind person
When
you're leaving a blind person, announce your departure. Don't leave him
stranded or talking to himself. Above all, remember common sense and
sensitivity to others are most important.
What
is Blindness?
Blindness
does not always mean total loss of sight. A person whose visual acuity
does not exceed 20/200 in the better eye, with best correction, or whose
field of vision is restricted to 20 degrees or less is considered
"blind." Some people with rapidly progressive visual problems
which will result in blindness may benefit from services of the Division
of Services for the Blind.
Serving
as a sighted guide
When
walking with a blind person move at a normal pace about one half step
ahead. The blind person will normally hold to the sighted person's arm
just above the elbow. The blind person can then feel and easily follow
the guide's movements up, down, straight, left, right, etc. A slight
hesitation before stepping up or down is helpful.
Who
to contact
Any
severely visually impaired person who is interested in receiving services
or additional information about services can contact:
Division
of Services for the Blind
700 Main Street
Little Rock, AR 72203
Telephone: 501 682-5463
TDD 682-0093 and FAX 682-0366
1-800-960-9270
Lost Sight Does
Not Mean
Lost Opportunity
in Arkansas
The
Arkansas Department of Human Services is in compliance with Titles VI and
VII of the Civil Rights Act and is operated, managed and delivers
services without regard to age, religion, disability, political
affiliation, veteran status, sex, race, color or national origin.
Serving
food to a blind person
When
serving a blind person who is eating without a sighted companion, offer
to read the menu - including the price of each item.
As
you place each item on the table, call his attention to it, as:
"Here's your water." If he wants you to cut up his food or
serve it from a casserole or platter, he will request that help. It's
never bad form to offer, however.
Making
change for a blind person
If
making change in bills of more than one denomination, hand him the bills
separately and identify each denomination as you hand it to him. This is
not necessary with coins; he knows them by touch.
Assisting
a blind person across the street
Let
the blind person know you are there by asking, "May I be of
assistance?" Speak in a normal tone. If he accepts your offer, let
him take your arm. Never "grab" the blind person's arm, he
can't anticipate your movements if you do. After crossing a street see
that he is going in the direction he wants to take and caution him about
any obstruction ahead.
Giving
directions to a blind person
Always
give directions verbally - pointing or gesturing will not help a blind
person. Using terms such as "left," "right "straight
ahead" or compass points will assist the blind person in reaching
his destination. Street names, if known, can be helpful to some blind
people.
Assisting
a blind person with seating
In
showing a blind person to a chair, place his hand upon the back or arm of
it; don't try to push him into it. His touch will tell him the type,
width and height of the chair.
If
you need this material in an alternative format such as large print,
tape, braille or computer disk), please contact our Americans with
Disabilities Act coordinator at (501) 682-5463 or 1-800-960-9270.
_____________________________________________________________________
Arkansas
Department of Human Services
Division of Services for the Blind
700 Main Street
P.O. Box 3237
Little Rock, AR 72203
(501) 682-5463
Toll Free: 1-800-960-9270
TDD: (501)682-0093
Fax: (501)682-0366
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