How to Communicate With Someone Who Is Blind

For coworkers, neighbors, servers, and anyone who wants to get this right — not just family. A few weeks ago we wrote specifically for family members supporting a parent. This one's for everyone else — the coworker, the new acquaintance, the barista, anyone who wants to interact naturally and respectfully but isn't sure how. It's simpler than it seems. ## Say Who You Are When you approach, identify yourself: "Hi, it's Sarah." This single habit solves a lot of awkwardness at once — it lets the person know someone's there, who it is, and that the conversation is directed at them. The same goes for leaving: let them know when you're stepping away, rather than letting them talk to an empty room. ## Offer, Don't Assume If you think someone might want help, ask directly — and respect the answer either way. Unsolicited help, even well-meaning, can feel disorienting or presumptuous. A simple "Would you like a hand with that?" covers it. ## If They Accept a Guide, Here's How If someone accepts your offer to help them walk somewhere, the technique matters: - Offer your arm rather than taking theirs — they'll hold just above your elbow and walk about half a step behind you - Narrate as you go: "curb ahead," "stairs going up," "narrow space coming, I'll go single file" - Never grab, push, or steer someone without warning, even if you're trying to help quickly ## Use Normal Language Words like "see," "look," and "watch out" are completely fine to use — they're part of everyday language and don't need to be avoided. What actually helps is being specific: "the restroom is about ten feet ahead on your right" works far better than "it's over there." ## A Few Small Things That Make a Big Difference - If you're handing something to someone, place it directly in their hand rather than holding it out and waiting for them to notice - Before a handshake, hug, or other greeting, say what you're offering — "can I shake your hand?" — rather than initiating contact without warning - If a guide dog is working (wearing its harness), avoid petting or talking to it — it needs to stay focused ## When In Doubt, Just Ask You don't need to memorize a script. If you're unsure what someone prefers — whether that's how much guidance they want or what language feels right to them — asking directly is always a safe, respectful option. ## Whenever You're Ready, We're Here Whether you're building confidence around a new relationship, a workplace, or your own community, we're glad you're taking the time to get this right. Whether that's tomorrow or six months from now, we'll still be here, and we'll meet you exactly where you are when you're ready. ## Sources - [Wisconsin Department of Health Services — Do's and Don'ts When Interacting with a Person Who Is Blind](https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/obvi/adjustment/dos-donts.htm) - [Pierce County Association of the Blind — Tips for Interacting With a Blind Person](https://pcabinfo.org/tips/) - [Chicago Lighthouse — Etiquette for Working and Socializing With People Who Are Blind](https://chicagolighthouse.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Etiquette-guide_updates-2022.pdf)