How to deal with blind people? 7 simple rules

There are many stereotypes around people with disabilities. For example, what are they fit only for unskilled work or have a "sixth sense". In fact, blind people can be successful programmers, teachers, copywriters, and many other tasks. And of course they do not possess extrasensory abilities. They just develop a good memory and adapt to their own characteristics. Moreover, not all blind people live in complete darkness - only 15% of them.

Therefore, you should not put an equal sign between a person and his diagnosis. Relate people with visual impairments need to be treated as individuals. And these tips will help build the most careful communication.

1. Ask if you need help

Out of ignorance, you risk interfering with a person. The best thing to do is to ask what kind of help is needed, and only then act. You can offer to translate across the street, find the right department in the store, or climb the stairs. If a person has accepted your help, give him a hand, but do not push him forward - let him go on his own. Also, be prepared to hear “no”‎‎‎. Perhaps a blind person is well oriented in space and is able to cope on his own.

2. Follow the basic rules of communication

Communication with blind people does not require special skills. All you have to do is be polite and follow a few simple rules. recommendations:

• Introduce yourself at the meeting so that the person understands who you are dealing with. Even if you have already crossed paths before, he may not recognize you. For example, if you have a cold, your voice will sound different.
• Do not yell at the interlocutor. Hearing is good for blind people. Speak using your natural tone and speed.
• Make sure the person understands what you are talking about. If there are many people in the room, call him by name. Address the blind person directly, and not through their escort.
• When you leave the room, let them know. A blind interlocutor may not hear the sound of footsteps and continue to talk to you.
• Do not pet your guide dog without asking. This way you can distract the animal. If a person with a dog asks you to tell the way, do not pull his pet by the leash - explain the way to the owner.
• Don't avoid the word "see". There is nothing wrong with saying "Good to see you". But the phrases "Go there" or "It's over there" really should be replaced with specific descriptions, for example, "It's on your left."

3. Talk about new technologies

For example, about the Dot Watch smart watch. They display messages on the screen using tactile Braille and allow you to send pre-prepared short responses. The rest of the gadget works like a typical smart watch.

In the Be My Eyes app, you can get help from a volunteer in everyday situations: ask to read the composition of a product or find a lost item. Communication takes place via video call. The application connects people based on time zone and language. But it's not just new application software that's emerging. Braille intercoms are being installed in Chelyabinsk. Now it will be easier for a blind person to contact the subscriber, the 112 system or call the concierge. By the end of the year, such intercoms are planning install in 200 entrances of the city.

4. Add descriptions to images

Blind people also use the Internet - they have special programs that read text from the screen. But they don't recognize images, so it's useful to add alternative text to pictures. For example, when uploading images to WordPress, the program will offer the option "Alt Attribute". Add a brief and precise description of what is in the photo. Let's say, not just "food on a plate", but "a plate with Olivier salad made from boiled potatoes, sausages and carrots."

Some social networks also provide the ability to add alternative text. And if it’s not there, just add a description to the photo so that more people can understand your post. Avatars and illustrative images can be left without explanation.

5. Leave things in their places

If you come to visit a blind person or communicate with him in the office, leave his things where they are. Don't move anything, even with the best of intentions. Otherwise, a person will be confused when he does not find them in their places.

If a visually impaired person lives in the neighborhood, warn him of any changes in the entrance. For example, if a waste paper box is placed on the ground floor, inform him so that he does not stumble upon it and fall.

6. Consider the interests of blind people in your projects

If you are a business owner, make sure your website is accessible to people with visual impairments. Add a voice captcha and make sure the font is easy to read. Don't forget to add alt text to the product image. Some people It happens color blindness. Therefore, when designing a site, do not rely only on color. For example, buttons should be not only bright, but also large, and it is desirable to underline links in the text.

In an office or store, take care of labeling glass doors. A large bright sticker will help a person notice an obstacle in time. Use a tactile tile with raised relief in front of the stairs - you can simply stick it on the floor.

7. Help a loved one who has recently lost their sight

Tell us about organizations that represent the interests of the blind, for example, the All-Russian Society of the Blind. Also, offer to help learn Braille - you can look for courses or a tutor. In large cities, there are specialized libraries where you can borrow Braille books, as well as publications with large print and audio books. Also, install a screen reader on your computer. For Windows users, you can download a free NVDA screen reader that supports Russian. And on macOs there is a built-in VoiceOver program - it is enabled through the settings. The utility allows you to control your computer with your voice, read and edit texts.