About VI
Tips to Get Along with Visually Impaired Persons
- Speak to them directly, instead of making use of eye contact or gestures.
- No need to avoid using words like "see” or "look”
- When meeting a VIP, introduce yourself first and those who are with you so that he or she knows who is talking to.
- In case you want to leave your conversation with a VIP for the moment, do first tell him or her about your leaving.
- You may understand their needs first before offering help.
- Keep the passage and door area free from obstruction and tell them any changes about the location of objects.
- The proper way to help them be seated is to put their hand on the back of a chair so that they know where the seat is.
- When walking with them, let them hold your elbow or shoulder.
- When showing them directions or locations, avoid using expressions like "this way” or "that way”, and use expressions like "on the left” or "on the right” or clock direction instead.
- For other scenarios, put yourself in the shoes of a VIP and keep in mind the principles of social inclusion, then you can enjoy a joyful interaction with them.
Download "Tips about interacting with VIPs" leaflet (PDF version) (3MB)