Many people are uneasy when thinking about assisting a visually impaired person. The following suggestions will help you feel at ease with blind persons, and are based on thoughtful courtesies you might extend to anyone, sighted or blind.

There are many ways in which you can be helpful to a blind person in everyday situations, but always ask if the person wishes assistance. If help is needed, they'll be grateful. If not, they will thank you for asking. Speak upon entering a room where there is a blind person. Identify yourself and let them know when you're leaving. Don't leave them stranded and talking to thin air. When greeting a blind person if others are present, use a name or provide some cue so the blind person can tell for whom your greeting is intended. Remember that blind people can't see when you're looking at them. Address a blind person directly, not through someone else, and use a normal tone of voice. When giving directions to a blind person, be specific. Pointing will not help, nor will "over there." (They won't mind words like "see" or "blind" so you needn't censor your conversation. Remember too, that nods and shrugs do not take the place of words.) It will be easiest for a blind person to take your arm when walking. If you stay half a step ahead, the person can anticipate your movements. When providing assistance to cross the street, stay with the person until the opposite curb has been safely reached. Avoid the temptation to pet a dog guide. The dog is responsible for leading a person who cannot see and must not be distracted. When escorting a blind person to a chair, place his or her hand on the back of the chair. If you take them to a car or bus, guide their hands to the door handle. They'll manage the rest. When you dine with a blind person, describe the table setting. The location of food servings can be described as numerals on a clockface. If you have a money transaction, name each bill so that he or she may fold it according to the individual's own method for identification. The most important things needed when you meet blind individuals are your good will and common sense. Remember that blind people think, feel and make decisions just as you do. A blind person is an individual who has usually lost only one sense - the sense of sight. Be natural and enjoy one another. Cleveland Sight Center is one of the largest, privately funded agencies in the United States, serving those with reduced vision. Since 1906 financial assistance from individuals and organizations has enabled us to continue offering rehabilitative and support services to those who need our help. Your gift to the agency is important and goes a long way. It is also tax deductible. Cleveland Sight Center of the Cleveland Society for the Blind University Circle 1909 East 101st Street Cleveland, OH 44106 Tel. (216) 791-8118