Abdraim Aiana Philology, 1-st year Ahmet Yesevi University Academic year: 2016/2017

Interacting with a blind person may be a little daunting at first. But with an open mind and this article, you will realize that blind people are just like you and me! Interacting with a blind person may be a little daunting at first. But with an open mind and this article, you will realize that blind people are just like you and me!

Always treat blind people as just another person as they simply do things differently. Always treat blind people as just another person as they simply do things differently.

Blind does not mean cant nor does it mean stupid. It is only a physical challenge. Blind does not mean cant nor does it mean stupid. It is only a physical challenge.

Bear in mind that blind people treat their guide dogs and white canes as extensions of their bodies. Never distract guide dogs from their job or touch, move or grab a cane without the owners permission. Bear in mind that blind people treat their guide dogs and white canes as extensions of their bodies. Never distract guide dogs from their job or touch, move or grab a cane without the owners permission.

Identify yourself and others who may be with you when meeting someone who is blind. Identify yourself and others who may be with you when meeting someone who is blind.

If you offer assistance, wait until the offer is accepted. Then listen or ask for instructions. Many blind people will accept help; however, make sure that they are aware that you are going to help them and offer your arm, not your whole body. If you offer assistance, wait until the offer is accepted. Then listen or ask for instructions. Many blind people will accept help; however, make sure that they are aware that you are going to help them and offer your arm, not your whole body.

Do not clap, point, repeat or sing when attempting to guide a blind person. Do not clap, point, repeat or sing when attempting to guide a blind person.

Do not do for them what they can do for themselves such as serving themselves, finding things, getting things, carrying things etc. The last thing anyone needs is enablement for disablement. Do not do for them what they can do for themselves such as serving themselves, finding things, getting things, carrying things etc. The last thing anyone needs is enablement for disablement.

Do not shout; just speak in a normal tone of voice as usual. Remember: they are blind, not deaf. Do not shout; just speak in a normal tone of voice as usual. Remember: they are blind, not deaf.

Relax. Dont be embarrassed if you use common expressions such as See you later or Did you hear about this? that seems to relate to a person who is blind. Relax. Dont be embarrassed if you use common expressions such as See you later or Did you hear about this? that seems to relate to a person who is blind.

Avoid stigmatizing words such as 'handicapped'. Blind people do not use that word in reference to themselves and few sighted people use it. Avoid stigmatizing words such as 'handicapped'. Blind people do not use that word in reference to themselves and few sighted people use it.

Tips: Tips: Drop the negative/misleading attitudes/beliefs. Drop the negative/misleading attitudes/beliefs. Don't assume that they can see you. Don't assume that they can see you. Spread the word Spread the word Make efforts to understand blindness and blind individuals through interaction and research. Make efforts to understand blindness and blind individuals through interaction and research.

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