The following piece comes from “Vision Loss: Where do I go from here?”—a handbook produced by the Alliance for Equality of Blind Canadians and developed by people living with vision loss. In this piece, the authors remind us of the power of mutual respect, self-determination, and understanding. To see more of the handbook, go to blindcanadians.ca.

To my friends, family and colleagues, here’s what I ask of you

1. Allow me the dignity of doing as much as I can for myself, even if it takes me longer to accomplish the task.
2. Let me take the lead in determining the amount of assistance I need from you.
3. Allow me the dignity of speaking for myself, and discourage others from talking to me through you.
4. Don’t assume a task is impossible just because I have a vision impairment.
5. Don’t avoid using words such as see, watch and blind. You will notice that I don’t avoid them either.
6. If I am unable to hear you or if circumstances do not allow you to speak loud enough so I can hear you, then touch my hand gently to get my attention.
7. Identify yourself so that I do not have to wonder who you are, and tell me when you leave my presence, so that I don’t find myself talking to the air.
8. Provide me with specific directions. Rather than “I put your coffee over there” say “The cup is on the left hand side of the end table on your right.”
9. Push the chairs back under the table and keep the cabinet and closet doors closed. Keep room doors either fully open or fully closed.
10. Put items back where you found them.
11. Offer to read my mail to me. Asking for help every time is either difficult or frustrating.
12. Answer my questions verbally, as I may not see a nod or shake of your head.
13. Understand that I may have trouble recognizing even familiar faces yet I may still notice a piece of lint on your shoulder.
14. When walking outside or in unfamiliar surroundings, allow me to hold your arm just above the elbow. Alert me to obstacles such as stairs, doors, curbs, and thresholds, and let me set the pace.
15. When escorting me to an entrance or chair, place my hand on the doorknob or back of the chair so I can determine where I am.
16. Keep me informed about the world around me. Share with me what you see.

Adapted from seniorcenterinc.org and blindness.org

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