Many of us want to be kind and helpful when meeting someone who is blind—but uncertainty, fear of saying the wrong thing, or lack of experience can sometimes create awkwardness or hesitation. The truth is that interacting with a person who is blind does not require special language or extraordinary behavior. It requires awareness, respect, and a willingness to communicate clearly.
People who are blind navigate the world with skill, independence, and resilience. When sighted people understand a few basic principles of interaction, those encounters become more natural. Regardless of where you interact with a person who is blind, your small choices in how you communicate can make a meaningful difference.
The below offers a practical guide on how to offer assistance, give directions, interact around guide dogs, and create welcoming environments.
Speaking with a Person Who Is Blind
Start by Identifying Yourself
When you enter a room or approach a person who is blind, identify yourself right away. A simple “Hi, it’s Bob” sets the tone for a comfortable interaction. Avoid asking, “Do you know who this is?”—that question puts unnecessary pressure on the individual and can be uncomfortable.
Likewise, when you are leaving a conversation or exiting a room, say so. A quick “I’m heading out now” prevents confusion or the awkward experience of continuing to speak to someone who is no longer there.
Make It Clear You’re Speaking to Them
In group settings, it can be difficult for a person who is blind to know who is being addressed. Using their name or lightly touching their arm (if appropriate) lets them know the conversation includes them. This small gesture can prevent misunderstandings and helps everyone feel more connected.
Speak Directly and Naturally
Always speak directly to the person who is blind, not through a companion or guide. Blindness does not affect a person’s ability to understand or respond for themselves. Addressing a third party instead can feel dismissive, even when well intentioned. There’s also no need to raise your voice—in fact, shouting can feel patronizing. Speak in your normal, natural tone.
Use Clear, Specific Language
Vague phrases like “over there” or “right here” rely heavily on visual cues. Instead, give specific directions: “The desk is about five feet to your right,” or “The door is directly behind you.” When describing spaces or objects, clarity builds confidence and independence.
Creating a Safe and Comfortable Environment
Be Mindful of Physical Spaces
Doors should be either fully open or fully closed—half-open doors and cupboards can be hazardous. Similarly, avoid moving furniture, chairs, or objects in a familiar environment unless necessary. What may seem helpful can actually create confusion or risk.
Consistency in physical spaces allows people who are blind to navigate safely and independently.
Practice Thoughtful Courtesy
If you notice something like a stain on someone’s clothing or food on their face, discreetly let them know—just as you would want someone to tell you. This is not impolite; it’s considerate.
Paint a Picture with Words
When describing people, places, or objects, provide a clear verbal image. Mention color, size, texture, shape, and landmarks. For example: “She’s wearing a navy jacket with silver buttons,” or “The room is long and narrow, with windows along the left wall.”
Descriptions help replace visual information with rich, meaningful context.
Use Everyday Language
Don’t be afraid to use words like “see,” “look,” or “blind.” These are part of everyday language, and most people who are blind use them too. Saying “It’s nice to see you” is perfectly appropriate.
Respect Personal Boundaries
Blindness is personal. Some people are open to discussing their vision loss; others prefer not to. Be sensitive and respectful, and allow the individual to guide what they share.
Encountering a Person Who Is Blind with a Guide Dog
Guide dogs are highly trained working partners—not pets—and how you interact with them matters greatly.
When the dog is working
If a guide dog is wearing a harness, it is working. Do not pet, talk to, or distract the dog in any way. Even brief distractions can put the handler’s safety at risk.
Never call to the dog, whistle, or attempt to get its attention.
When the Dog Is Not Working
If the dog is out of harness, you may ask the handler for permission to pet. If permission is given, pet the dog gently on the shoulder—not on the head, ears, or tail.
Food, Water, and Other Dogs
Do not offer food or water to a guide dog. Handlers carefully manage their dog’s diet and bathroom schedule. Likewise, do not allow your own dog—leashed or not—to interact with a guide dog. A guide dog must remain focused on its handler.
Offering Assistance Respectfully
Ask First
If you think a person who is blind may need help, introduce yourself and ask: “Would you like assistance?” Never assume help is needed, and never grab or pull someone without permission.
Respect Their Answer
If assistance is declined, respect that choice. Insisting on helping can feel disempowering. Independence is important, and many people who are blind have highly effective strategies for navigating on their own.
Giving Directions to a Person Who Is Blind
When directions are requested, clarity and precision matter.
Use directional language like: “Straight ahead” or “Turn left” or “On your right.”
You can also give distance estimates: “Walk about five feet, then turn left and go another ten feet.”
Avoid pointing or saying “over there.” Instead, describe the path verbally.
Offering to Guide
If appropriate, ask: “Would you like me to guide you?” If they say yes, offer your elbow. This is a dignified and effective guiding method. The person who is blind will hold your arm and follow your movements.
If you are inexperienced, it’s perfectly acceptable to say so and ask for feedback. Many people who are blind are happy to guide you on how best to assist them.
Using sound cues—such as lightly tapping a chair or doorway while saying “Here’s the chair”—can also help someone quickly orient themselves.
How to Guide a Person Who Is Blind
When guiding:
* Walk at a natural pace.
* Allow the person to hold your arm rather than pushing or steering them.
* When approaching narrow spaces, move your guiding arm behind your back so they can step behind you.
* Pause briefly at curbs or stairs and explain why.
* Clearly state whether stairs go up or down before proceeding.
Never grab the person or interfere with the guide dog’s harness. Do not give commands to the dog—only the handler should do so.
In Restaurants and Public Spaces
In restaurants, offer clear directions to available seats. You may offer to read the menu aloud, but do not assume the person cannot order independently.
Describe items on the table using clock positions:
* “Your water is at 12 o’clock.”
* “The salt and pepper are at 3 o’clock.”
* “Your plate is centered in front of you.”
This system is widely used and very effective.
Welcoming a Guide Dog Team into Your Home
If someone who is blind visits your home with a guide dog:
* Do not feed the dog table scraps.
* Do not allow children to tease or disturb the dog.
* Ask the handler about house rules regarding furniture or restricted areas.
* Do not let the dog outside unsupervised—guide dogs are extremely valuable and carefully trained partners.
If the dog misbehaves, ask the handler to address it rather than intervening yourself.
Remember What Matters Most
People who are blind are people first. Blindness is just one aspect of who they are—not a definition of their personality, talents, or interests.
Many people with blindness experience isolation—not because of their vision loss, but because others hesitate to engage with them. Your willingness to start a conversation, listen, and connect can make a profound difference.
Our graduates—and blind individuals everywhere—are artists, parents, professionals, veterans, students, and storytellers. They lead rich, complex lives filled with insight and experience.
Take the time to learn something about the person in front of you. You’ll likely find that the connection you build is meaningful for both of you—and that you walk away with a deeper understanding of the world we all share.