Saturday, April 24, 2010

Courtesy for the Blind

Totally just FYI.
There are many different websites with Courtesy/Etiquette for the blind
and I liked this one the most...
And no worries if you mess up,
I (Shaylee) have,
there is a large learning curve for vision loss for all involved.

(I made a couple additions, they are in blue)
  1. I'm an ordinary person, just blind. You don't need to raise your voice or address me as if I were a child. Don't ask my spouse what I want—"Cream in the coffee?"—ask me.
  2. I may use a long white cane or a guide dog to walk independently; or I may ask to take your arm. Let me decide, and please don't grab my arm; let me take yours. I'll keep a half-step behind to anticipate curbs and steps. It is also okay to tell me of upcoming hazards that I may not be aware of.
  3. I want to know who's in the room with me. Speak when you enter. Introduce me to the others. Include children, and tell me if there's a cat or dog. And please let me know when you leave.
  4. The door to a room or cabinet or to a car left partially open is a hazard to me. As well as other things that I could trip on such as shoes, bags, clothes etc.
  5. At dinner I will not have trouble with ordinary table skills. But it is not impolite to make me aware of what utensils,condiments or food is in front of me.
  6. Don't avoid words like "see." I use them, too. I'm always glad to see you.
  7. I don't want pity. But don't talk about the "wonderful compensations" of blindness. My sense of smell, touch, or hearing did not improve when I became blind. I rely on them more and, therefore, may get more information through those senses than you do—that's all.
  8. If I'm your houseguest, show me the bathroom, closet, dresser, window—the light switch, too. I like to know whether the lights are on.
  9. I'll discuss blindness with you if you're curious, but it's an old story to me. I have as many other interests as you do.
  10. Don't think of me as just a blind person. I'm just a person who happens to be blind.

I have messed up. I left the room with out telling Joseph and he couldn't find me. I have also entered a room without announcing my presence and scared him. I forget, it takes time to learn. And we are learning more everyday.



3 comments:

lm said...

This was really great! I won't remember but will do better because of your help.

miri said...

I'm glad you posted this. I found something very similar when we first got the news and found it very informative and helpful. I am sure it will take me a long time to get use to but I appreciate it. Thank you for your patience with everyones lack of understanding and with their efforts to try. You are an amzing individual. I hope that we can come visit some time soon. I'm sorry we haven't been able to. Love you both!!

Lindsey said...

Great post, it is something not alot of us know very much about.

On a positive note, what a great incentive to keep the house clean (#4).