How to guide someone with a visual impairment

Remember that visually impaired people may not be able to see signage in buildings to navigate to a meeting room and may need guiding. Offer to meet them at reception and guide them to the meeting room. Always ask if this support is needed first and take heed of the level of guiding they require.

If a sighted guide is needed, offer the person your bended arm and let them walk slightly behind you. Never take the arm of a visually impaired person or propel them in front of you. You need to be in front of them so that you spot any obstacles first and can guide people around them. Keep pathways and walkways clear of obstacles and clutter, such as bags, furniture and A-boards etc.

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Guide Dogs Guiding Videos  Sighted Guiding Instructional Videos

This short video from Oxford University Hospitals explains how to guide effectively The Sighted Guide Technique – Vision Awareness Training Part Two – YouTube

Practical Sighted Guiding Training is available from My Sight Notts so you can ensure all your staff are skilled and confident in guiding patients or clients who have a visual impairment. Click Here for more information.