Understanding those with sight difficulties

WORCESTERSHIRE guide dogs will lead the way in a national campaign to teach the public how to assist blind people.

Throughout Guide Dog Week, from Monday, October 6, to Sunday, October 12, staff and volunteers from Worcestershire branch of Guide Dogs for the Blind Association will be in Worcester city centre to give out information and highlight what to do in difficult situations, whether it is a cluttered high street, busy road junction, unfamiliar place, crowded shop or train station.

The message is that blind people can sometimes need an extra help, even if they have a guide dog or use a cane.

The charity has produced a handy ‘how to’ guide and DVD featuring tips to enable people to feel confident in applying guiding techniques.

Five helpful hints are:

• Say who you are and offer help, communicate clearly and listen to the visually impaired person's request. They will confirm if they want sighted guided assistance.

• Ask where and how the person would like to be guided.

• Allow the person to take your arm rather than you holding theirs.

• Say if you are approaching steps, kerbs or hazards.

• Don't forget to say when you have finished providing the assistance and are leaving the person.

To find out more go to guidedogs.org.uk/guidedogweek, or call 0870 2406993.

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