February is Low Vision Awareness Month — meaning it’s a great time to build confidence in interacting with people who are blind or have low vision. Creating spaces that feel welcoming and accessible benefits everyone, and it’s often the smallest shifts in awareness that make the biggest difference. With intention, those adjustments can start to feel natural.
To establish confidence and accessibility, keep two overarching principles in mind:
- Recognize that individuals who are living with vision loss are people first, and the way you interact should reflect a sensitivity to a spectrum of abilities.
- Frame your interaction as though it were happening as a phone call that required you to explain a scene, a situation, or people involved.
These two principles are great general rules, but for some more detail, here are a few specific tips to feel confident about your interactions with people who are blind or have low vision.
1. Introduce yourself and use their name
When greeting someone who is blind or has low vision, always introduce yourself and use their name if you know it. Sighted people often rely on visual cues to recognize others, so a verbal introduction helps create the same social ease.
If you already know the person, it is simply, “Hi, Alex. It’s Jamie.”
Even when it’s not deliberate, people tend to address the sighted companion rather than the person who has low vision. Never feel too timid to say hello!
2. Offer help, but do not assume it is needed
If you notice someone navigating an unfamiliar or challenging space, it is appropriate to offer assistance. Be sure to ask first. Simple phrases like, “Would you like some assistance?” or “Would you like a sighted guide?” allow the person to decide what support, if any, they want.
3. Give clear verbal cues when acting as a sighted guide
Giving sighted guide to someone means you lead them on a route to a destination, and they follow your wayfinding by holding on to one of your elbows. Use clear, descriptive verbal cues about the environment, such as:
“The door is slightly to the left and the doorway is narrow. Once we’re through it, we will continue straight ahead.”
People with low vision are very aware of the sounds, smells, and activity in a space, and are accustomed to accepting a sighted guide when necessary. Trust the individual to give you clarity on what they may need as they travel with you.
4. Do not distract or interact with guide animals
Guide animals may be adorable, but when they are working, they need to stay focused. Avoid petting, speaking to, or otherwise distracting them while they are on duty. Admiring from a distance is always welcome. Direct interaction should wait until the handler gives permission when the animal is off duty.
5. Use person-centric language
Many individuals who are blind or have low vision feel empowered by their diagnosis, but language still matters. Person-centric language emphasizes the individual rather than their diagnosis. For example, say “person who is blind” instead of “blind person.” It is a small change that makes a big difference.